Packers QB Jordan Love is sore but doing well following first start back from injury

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said quarterback Jordan Love is fine coming out of his first start following a two-game absence from a knee injury.

Love took a handful of hits, including one he described as painful on a scramble in the first half, but he’s going into this week in good shape.

“He’s sore but he’s doing well,” LaFleur said Monday.

Love completed 32 of 54 passes for 389 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in the Packers’ 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Vikings sacked him once and finished with 10 total hits on the quarterback.

LaFleur admitted Love needed to shake off some rust early, particularly in terms of ball placement. He wasn’t surprised that a quarterback who missed time needed snaps to get back into a “groove.”

“Sometimes, you just have to go out there and play,” LaFleur said. “I think he’ll work himself through it. I’m not worried about it. He’ll do everything in his power to get it corrected, and I have full confidence that he will be better.”

After throwing a pair of interceptions leading to touchdowns early in the first half, Love hit Jayden Reed for a score late in the second quarter and then threw three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter as the Packers attempted a furious rally. He settled in after a shaky first half and looked more and more comfortable late.

Love said post-game that he’s hopeful the knee will continue to heal but also admitted it’s possible the injury will linger. He sprained his left MCL in the Packers’ season opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.

LaFleur said receiver Christian Watson (ankle) would be out a week or so, potentially suggesting he’ll avoid injured reserve. He has less information on defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, who is also dealing with a new ankle injury.