The Green Bay Packers found ways to win both games without Jordan Love, but with the Minnesota Vikings coming to town for a key divisional matchup in Week 4, they hope to get their star quarterback back on the field.
Love practiced on Wednesday, building on a full week of practice last week. He received a questionable designation on the Week 3 injury report, but the Packers opted to shut him down for another game. Malik Willis put on a show against the Tennessee Titans to help secure a second consecutive victory in Love's absence.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided a positive update, noting that it would "make sense" for Love to make his return this week against Minnesota.
After practicing on Wednesday, Love dropped another hint.
Jordan Love's comments sound like good news for Packers' Week 4 game vs. Vikings
Speaking to reporters after practice, Love said he is moving better and improving each day. When asked whether he had a chance to play in last week's win against the Titans, Love said: "I was pretty close."
That sounds like a hint, if you ask me, whether intended or not.
If Love was "pretty close" to playing against the Titans, it would make sense that a further seven days of recovery would be enough to make a return. Initial reports after Love suffered a sprained MCL suggested he would miss three to six weeks.
Love would slightly beat that projection by returning this week, as he would have only missed two games. But Sunday's matchup falls 23 days after suffering the injury in Brazil.
Assuming Love can't make the injury worse, it sounds like the chances of him playing this week are increasing. Part of the decision comes down to Love's comfort level and mobility, but videos from practice and pre-game warmups indicate he is moving well.
The Packers will keep everyone guessing, including the Vikings, but all signs seem to be pointing toward a Love return this week.
