Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is officially doubtful for Sunday's contest against the Indianapolis Colts, nursing an MCL sprain. It's unlikely he will play this week or perhaps next, which could significantly affect how the season goes.
If Love is out, it seems to be the best time for it to happen with two winless teams, the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, ahead on the schedule. However, with Malik Willis assuming starting duties, nothing is guaranteed.
Acquired just under three weeks ago, on Aug. 26, in a trade with the aforementioned Titans, Willis is still a virtual unknown. Not only is he still getting adjusted to head coach Matt LaFleur's system, but the former third-round pick hasn't made a start since his rookie season in 2022.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old hasn't fared well over three career starts, finishing 25-of-49 for 234 yards with three interceptions and zero touchdown passes, adding 95 rushing yards (4.7 YPA) and a score on the ground. He's posted a 1-2 record with the lone victory coming against the Baltimore Ravens (17-10), a game in which he recorded a 35.4 passer rating (6-of-10, 55 yards and an interception) while then-Titans running back Derrick Henry rushed for 219 yards and two scores.
Likewise, it's hard to gauge how good the Colts and Titans are this early in the campaign, as nearly half of the 16 teams that lost their openers last season won the following week (seven in total). That means the Packers could be staring at a 0-3 hole by the time Love is ready to return.
While not impossible to climb out of, it would put Green Bay at a distinct disadvantage. Only six teams in NFL history have made the playoffs after starting the season with three straight losses — the Houston Texans in 2023 being the last.
The Packers can't win the Lombardi Trophy over the next few weeks. But, if they slide without Love in the lineup, they could lose it long before the journey starts.
