Prior to the Snap: Packers battle Colts at Lambeau as Love injury looms large

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Coming off a heartbreaking (in more ways than one) loss in São Paulo, Brazil, against Philadelphia in the season opener, the Green Bay Packers turn their attention to an interconference battle with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The possibility of a Love-less Lambeau Field looms over Green and Gold faithful after star quarterback Jordan Love suffered an MCL sprain with seconds left on the clock against the Eagles last Friday.

Although Love’s initial timetable for a return to the field was estimated at 3-6 weeks, Head Coach Matt LaFleur stated Monday that Love would not be placed on IR. During a Wednesday press conference, LaFleur said that “the [door] is pretty open” for Love to play on Sunday.

However, in all likelihood, #10 will be on the sideline against the Colts, opening the door for newcomer and third-year quarterback Malik Willis to take the reins. Willis has only three career starts (1-2) behind center, totaling 67 passing attempts and only one rushing touchdown. The former third-round pick’s last career start was December 24, 2022.

Before the Packers and Colts battle on the gridiron of Lambeau Field, let’s look at a couple of facts and predictions in this week’s edition of Prior to the Snap!

Game Information

Matchup: Indianapolis Colts (0-1) @ Green Bay Packers (0-1)
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Time: Sunday, September 15, 12:00 p.m. CST
Spread & O/U: IND -3.5, 41
Projected Weather: 77°F, Cloudy, Winds 4MPH SE

Statistics

All-time against Indianapolis: 21-24-1
Last game against Indianapolis: 34-31(OT) IND (11/22/2020)
Last matchup at home against Indianapolis: 31-26 IND (11/06/2016)
Last ten games against Indianapolis: 3-7
Last ten matchups at home against Indianapolis: 6-4

Ticket Prices – Including Fees

Players to Watch

WR Romeo Doubs

In all likelihood, Malik Willis will be behind center for the Green and Gold on Sunday. In that case, the Colts defense will surely be loading the box to stop the Packers run game and force Willis to beat them with his arm.

Look for Willis to find Romeo Doubs early and often. Doubs route running is pristine and his sure hands in the short to medium passing attack can provide Willis some much-needed comfort and reliability.

Although a tough matchup with Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones is on the horizon, Matt LaFleur should be able to move Doubs around and find Romeo some open space. In the Packers Week 1 game against the Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil, Doubs was targeted the most amongst Packers wideouts; that trend will continue into Week 2.

PREDICTION: Romeo Doubs leads the Packers in targets and receptions while reaching the endzone once.
PREDICTED STATS: 7 receptions, 85 yards, 1 touchdown

QB Anthony Richardson

Second-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson has been absolutely electric when he is healthy (especially in the running game) and the Packers history against athletic quarterbacks has been less than stellar.

In Week 1 against the Houston Texans, Richardson put up 268 total yards with two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. During Richardson’s five career NFL games, he has rushed for 192 yards with 5 touchdowns. Pair that with the former Florida Gators 789 passing yards and 5 passing touchdowns, Richardson has the ability (and talent around him) to take over any matchup.

PREDICTION: Anthony Richardson will tally a career-high in rushing yards, throw for over 150, and reach the endzone three times.
PREDICTED STATS: 157 passing yards, 65 rushing yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing

Injuries (Q=Questionable, D=Doubtful, O=Out, IR=Injured Reserve)

Green Bay: CB Corey Ballentine (Q), DT Kenny Clark (Q), CB LJ Davis (IR), TE Tyler Davis (IR), RB AJ Dillon (IR), DT Jonathan Ford (IR), LB Ralen Goforth (IR), RB Josh Jacobs (Q), RB MarShawn Lloyd (Q), QB Jordan Love (D).

Indianapolis: S Julian Blackmon (Q), CB JuJu Brents (IR), DT DeForest Buckner (Q), C Ryan Coll (IR), WR Josh Downs (Q), DE Samson Ebukam (IR), C Wesley French (IR), LB Cameron McGrone (IR), DE Kwity Paye (Q), S Daniel Scott (IR), WR Juwann Winfree (IR), TE Jelani Woods (IR).

All injuries are directly from ESPN Injury Reports as of Thursday, September 12.

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