Jordan Love Hits Pause in Preseason Prep Due to Left Thumb Procedure, But Packers Optimistic for Quick Return

The Green Bay Packers are navigating a minor setback in their quarterback’s preseason preparation. Jordan Love, who was expected to take full advantage of the summer months to fine-tune his game, is temporarily sidelined. According to Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst, Love is undergoing a procedure to address a ligament issue in his left thumb—an injury that was likely the cause of the heavy tape Love was seen wearing during the previous day’s practice.

While this news certainly raises questions and concerns among fans and analysts alike, there is reason for optimism. Gutekunst emphasized that the injury does not appear to be serious and that the team is confident Love will be back on the field soon. “He shouldn’t miss any regular-season time,” Gutekunst stated, assuring the Packers faithful that the situation is under control.

This injury comes at a time when every practice rep counts for Love. As the Packers’ starting quarterback in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, the 2023 season represents a crucial year for Love to solidify his place as the leader of the offense. With a relatively young receiving corps and new offensive schemes to adjust to, the preseason and early practices are vital opportunities for Love to build rapport and rhythm with his teammates. Missing even a handful of sessions could have a ripple effect, slowing the cohesion between Love and his pass-catchers.

The Packers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Matt LaFleur, will likely proceed with caution as Love recovers from this thumb procedure. Gutekunst confirmed that the team would carefully manage Love’s workload during the coming weeks to avoid any further complications or setbacks before the start of the regular season. With Week 1 on the horizon, the Packers will want to ensure Love is as close to 100 percent as possible when the real games begin.

The injury, although not severe, highlights the delicate nature of preseason prep. The NFL calendar moves quickly, and injuries—even minor ones—can significantly affect player development and team chemistry. For Love, the challenge lies in not only recovering physically but also staying sharp mentally. Even if he isn’t able to practice for a few days, Love can continue to study film, review plays, and engage with the team’s offensive coordinators to stay involved with the game plan. Mental reps can be just as important as physical ones, especially when building familiarity with new teammates.

Love’s ability to bounce back from this temporary setback will speak to his resilience and focus, both critical traits for an NFL quarterback. While his first season as the Packers’ starter will be a learning process, he has shown flashes of potential that suggest he could eventually grow into a franchise quarterback. The Packers’ hope is that this brief pause in his prep won’t derail his progress, especially as he works to take the reins in one of the most storied franchises in the NFL.

It’s also worth noting that while this injury is unfortunate, the Packers’ overall depth at quarterback provides some reassurance. Backup quarterbacks like Sean Clifford and Danny Etling are available to step in during any practices or scrimmages that Love may miss. This could allow Love to take the time he needs to recover without causing a major disruption to the offense’s development. The coaching staff has always emphasized the importance of quarterback depth, and this situation reinforces that philosophy.

The Packers have become accustomed to high expectations surrounding their quarterback position. From Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay has enjoyed long stretches of elite quarterback play. Now, the franchise is hopeful that Jordan Love will be the next in line to carry that torch. However, in a league as competitive as the NFL, no one’s job is ever truly secure, and even minor setbacks can have significant ramifications. The team will be looking for signs that Love is ready to step up and deliver in his first full season as the starter, and this thumb issue, while not a long-term concern, is a reminder of how quickly things can change.

While the procedure on Love’s thumb may seem like a minor footnote in the broader context of his career, it’s an important moment in his transition from understudy to starting quarterback. Every ounce of preparation counts, and the Packers’ ability to handle this situation with care and precision will be telling. If Love can return to the field quickly and resume building chemistry with his young receiving group, it could set the tone for what promises to be a pivotal season.

At the same time, the Packers must remain pragmatic. There’s no guarantee that Love will immediately hit the ground running, even once he is back on the field. Quarterback play is often about timing and precision, and while Love has shown flashes of promise, he still has areas of his game that require refinement. The chemistry with the receiving corps is one of the most important factors for a quarterback, and that often takes time to develop. A few missed practices could delay that process, but they shouldn’t derail it entirely.

Ultimately, the Packers are taking the long view. They’ve invested significant resources in Love, both in terms of time and talent, and they are fully committed to his development. The goal is not just to get him ready for the season opener against the Chicago Bears; it’s to ensure he has the tools he needs to succeed over the long term. That’s why they are being cautious with his recovery from this thumb injury—while it may not seem like much, this is a critical period for Love’s growth and readiness. The Packers’ staff will likely err on the side of caution, ensuring that Love isn’t rushed back too quickly.

The good news for Packers fans is that, according to Gutekunst, the injury is unlikely to have any long-lasting effects. The team remains optimistic that Love will be back on the field in a matter of days, allowing him to continue his preparation for the 2023 season. In the meantime, the Packers’ focus will be on managing the situation and ensuring that Love is physically and mentally prepared to lead the team when the regular season begins.

For now, the focus shifts to managing the minor setback, but the clock is ticking. As preseason games draw closer, the Packers will continue to assess Love’s readiness and his progress in developing a rapport with his receiving corps. While a temporary interruption in practice time may not seem like a major concern, it’s an important reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. The Packers’ ability to navigate this challenge with patience and careful management could go a long way in setting the tone for what could be a defining year for Jordan Love.