Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love is back as the Packers’ starter after missing two weeks because of a sprained knee.
The Packers (2-1) had been 2-0 behind Love’s backup, Malik Willis. Facing the 3-0 Minnesota Vikings and their blitz-heavy defense, however, Love will regain his status as a starter.
Coming off a breakout 2023 season that earned him a four-year, $220 million extension, Love injured the MCL in his knee in the final minute of a Week 1 loss to Philadelphia, played in Brazil, and his injury was initially described by the team as one that could sideline him for three to six weeks.
He beat even the most optimistic projections to return Sunday.
The matchup will test Love’s mobility. The Vikings’ 16 sacks lead the NFL, and they are among the leaders in blitz rate on first and second downs. They entered Sunday as one of only seven defenses that had yet to allow a play of 40-plus yards from scrimmage.
Love’s return started anything but smooth. Green Bay’s first drive ended with a missed field goal and its second with an interception thrown by Love.
By the first quarter’s end, he had completed four of his six passes but for just 34 yards. Green Bay fell behind 21-0 with more than 11 minutes left in the second quarter.
