Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers has made it through concussion protocol with flying colors. He accomplished this after he was injured on December 20. The development is good news that the Packers are encouraged by. They just announced that they won’t be playing him in their regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. Instead, Clayton Tune, a fifth-round pick from the Arizona Cardinals, will get the nod under center.
Love sustained a concussion during the Packers’ loss to the Chicago Bears, which forced him to miss last week’s game against the Ravens. On Wednesday, he went through a full practice without limitations for the first time since the injury. What a huge turn in his recovery this is! He was found not guilty on Thursday. That came just 12 days after what most people consider his first concussion while playing in the NFL.
Love has already come a long way. Coach Matt LaFleur, after the game, confirmed that they’ll not be working him into the lineup for this Sunday’s game.
“But the intent, I would say, is not to play him.” – LaFleur
In those three previous outings, Love was 11-of-20 passing for just 58 yards with two INTs and a fumbled loss. The Packers are setting — and following — a new precedent, as they head into the playoffs. LaFleur suggested that Love will only find his way onto the field if they need him at backup QB. If we go by recent comments from Whitmer, it sounds like he’s not going to be asked to fulfill that legacy-building role. Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder will be early favorites for the No. 2 quarterback duties.
Clayton Tune, who’d been on the practice squad, was signed to the active roster on Wednesday. He is expected to make his second career NFL start this upcoming Sunday. Though his first start was a 27-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns, LaFleur had high hopes for Tune’s development.
“He’s a guy that’s shown some pretty good promise in terms of what we’ve seen.” – LaFleur
As the Packers prepare for their 2023 playoff run, these considerations are contributing to their focus on player health and strategic preparation. After these considerations the team has made a decision to sit Love for regular season finale. It illustrates their dedication to ensuring he is 100 percent healthy for whatever postseason opportunities might arise.
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