Jordan Love Impresses Despite Concussion Protocol
In Green Bay, the spotlight is on quarterback Jordan Love as he navigates the concussion protocol. Despite being limited in practice on Wednesday, he appeared to be on course to face the Baltimore Ravens this Saturday night.
“He looked good. He looked great,” receiver Jayden Reed said, reflecting a sense of optimism that has enveloped the Packers’ camp.
Lamar Jackson’s Uncertain Status
In stark contrast, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s situation remains precarious. The two-time NFL MVP and three-time first-team All-Pro did not participate in practice due to a back contusion that sidelined him in Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots.
“It’s undetermined right now,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters. “He was non-participating today and was not able to practice, but he could play without that practice for sure. He’s practiced and played a lot of football; he’s won a lot of games for us. If he’s ready to go, he will go. If he can go, he will go. You can bet on that.”
Love’s Positive Progression
Jordan Love’s ability to practice, even in a limited capacity, is a promising sign following his concussion. After being knocked out of the game against the Chicago Bears, his participation in Tuesday’s walk-through and Wednesday’s practice suggests he is recovering well.
During the open portion of practice, Love showcased his skills, completing passes to receivers like Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks. “He’s looked really good,” Watson remarked. “From everything that I’ve talked to him about, he feels like he’s in a good spot. Obviously, he’s got to clear everything. I think he’s just approaching it like a normal week in terms of how he’s going about everything and then, obviously, he’ll just let the medical staff take care of the rest. But he’s looked like J-Love out there so, obviously, if he does get the opportunity to play on Saturday, I know he’ll be ready to go.”
Backup Quarterback Concerns
While Love appears to be on the upswing, the Packers’ backup quarterback, Malik Willis, is dealing with his own setbacks. After injuring his right shoulder during the final play of regulation against Chicago, Willis was limited in Tuesday’s walk-through, and illness kept him from practicing on Wednesday. His availability for Saturday’s game against the Ravens will depend on whether he can practice on Thursday.
Injury Updates for Key Players
Running back Josh Jacobs also finds himself on the injury report. After a red-zone fumble, he expressed his struggles, stating, “It’s hurting, hurting. Same old. Little better this week but still hurts.” He is taking it “day by day” but remains hopeful about seeing more practice time this week.
In terms of the injury report, the Packers saw some positive developments. Defensive ends Lukas Van Ness (foot) and Arron Mosby (ankle) moved from limited to full participation, while defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna (illness) improved from did not participate to limited. Conversely, right tackle Zach Tom (knee/back), cornerback Bo Melton (illness), and linebacker Kristian Welch (ankle) missed practice for the second consecutive day.
For the Ravens, running back Keaton Mitchell (calf) was the only player to show progress, moving from limited to full participation.
A Look at Performance Metrics
Jordan Love currently ranks sixth in the NFL with a 101.2 passer rating. He’s also eighth in yards per attempt at 7.70 and 12th in completion percentage at 66.3%. The Packers boast a record of 7-0-1 when he achieves a passer rating of over 100 and 8-0-1 when it exceeds 90.
In limited appearances this season, Malik Willis has impressed with a 12-of-14 passing record, accumulating 134 yards, two touchdowns, and a remarkable 146.1 passer rating.
“It definitely matters,” Watson acknowledged, “but it’s not something that I’m thinking about at all. I feel like I kind of approach the week the same regardless, so I’m just trying to make sure that I’m dialed in on what we’ve got for the week and making sure I’m putting myself in the best position to make plays regardless of who’s throwing it.”
Packers and Ravens Injury Reports
Packers Injury Report
Did not participate:
CB Bo Melton (illness)
RT Zach Tom (knee/back)
LB Kristian Welch (ankle)
QB Malik Willis (right shoulder/illness)
Limited participation:
LG Aaron Banks (neck)
DT Quinton Bohanna (illness)
RB Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle)
QB Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion)
C Sean Rhyan (knee)
DT Jordon Riley (ankle)
TE Josh Whyle (concussion)
S Evan Williams (knee)
G John Williams (back)
Full participation:
WR Romeo Doubs (wrist)
DE Arron Mosby (ankle)
DE Collin Oliver (hamstring)
DE Lukas Van Ness (foot)
WR Christian Watson (shoulder)
WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle)
WR Savion Williams (foot)
Ravens Injury Report
Did not participate:
QB Lamar Jackson (back)
Limited participation:
CB Chidobe Awuzie (foot)
G Andrew Vorhees (foot)
Full participation:
S Kyle Hamilton (ankle)
LB Jay Higgins IV (knee)
RB Keaton Mitchell (calf)
As both teams prepare for their crucial matchup, the health of their quarterbacks remains a focal point, with Love’s recovery offering a glimmer of hope for the Packers, while Jackson’s absence raises questions for the Ravens.
