Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers’ signal caller and rookie sensation, was just set to return from surgery on his non-throwing left thumb. He opted for surgery instead of attempting to play through the injury. As the team prepares for the regular season, Love remains optimistic about his performance, stating he has “no concerns” heading into the opener against the Detroit Lions on September 7.
After Love’s surgery, he had to wear a special brace on his thumb that he needed to keep on during practice. But he does not stop practicing and handing off without using his right hand. The fifth-year signal-caller tried to instill faith that the apparatus wouldn’t impede his ability come opening day.
“It’ll be some weeks having to brace it up and just keep it protected,” Love noted, acknowledging the necessary precautions as he adjusts to his recovery process. He emphasized the importance of stability in his thumb, saying, “If you have no stability there, you have no strength as well.”
With that, on Thursday, Love participated in a full-contact simulated game. He went on to call it the most real game-like action experience he’s had to date. Prior to this, he had really concentrated at the position on the individual drills and 7-on-7 periods. He participated in full-team (11-on-11) activities only one day prior to the simulated game.
Into full-team practices, when he finally made it back onto the field, Love hadn’t taken snaps from under center or in the shotgun formation. Instead, he emphasized making sure he was ready to hold the ball or mimic a snap before doing anything higher impact to allow for regaining function gradually. This deliberate and methodical approach is indicative of Peters’ dedication not only to safeguarding his thumb, but to staying connected with teammates.
Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed trust in Love’s ability to prepare for Week 1. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Love’s injury and the limited practice time available due to both Love’s condition and the team’s overall health. “Between our receivers and him being kind of nicked up, we certainly haven’t had the amount of work that you would have liked,” Gutekunst stated.
Love, for his part, is recovering and learning to walk in his brace. He is more concerned with the chemistry he’s establishing with his new teammates and getting ready for the upcoming season. His visionary, proactive approach shines through. Paired with his upbeat demeanor, he’s supremely prepared to steer the Packers as they dive into their 2023 slate.
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