Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love made it through Wednesday’s practice without pain in his injured right shoulder and could play Saturday against the Buffalo Bills in the preseason finale, but coach Matt LaFleur is still in a wait-and-see situation with his young passer.
“I thought he looked good. He said there’s no pain, so we’ll let it go through the week and we’ll see,” LaFleur said Thursday.
Love missed last Saturday’s preseason loss to the New York Jets after sustaining the injury in the preseason opener. He returned to practice in a limited fashion on Monday and participated in team sessions on Wednesday.
LaFleur said Love would play the first half or possibly into the third quarter if he’s able to go against the Bills, but third-string quarterback Kurt Benkert would get playing time regardless.
Benkert, who started against the Jets and played most of the game, is competing to make the roster as the No. 3 quarterback. But all eyes will be on Love if he’s able to go in Buffalo.
The 2020 first-round pick needs all the reps he can get at this point in his development. He didn’t get a preseason as a rookie and was inactive for all 18 games.
It’s possible Saturday’s preseason finale could be the final opportunity for Love to play meaningful snaps in a live game this season. He’s the backup behind NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers entering the 2021 season.
