Green Bay Packers Matt LaFleur Pleased With How Jordan Love Looks Post-Thumb Surgery
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur struck a cautiously optimistic tone when discussing Jordan Love’s first practice session following his thumb surgery. The quarterback’s return to the field, albeit in a limited capacity, marked a significant step forward in his recovery process and offered a glimpse of what the Packers can expect as they prepare for the 2025 regular season.
Green Bay Packers Jordan Love Returns To Practice
Love’s return to practice on August 18 was anything but conventional. Rather than taking traditional snaps from center, the Packers crafted a specialized routine that accommodated his healing thumb while still allowing him to participate meaningfully in team activities.
“I thought it was good just to get him back out there, back in the mix,” LaFleur said, emphasizing the importance of keeping Love engaged with the team’s rhythm. “Into the rhythm of playing quarterback. We did some different things with him that we haven’t done in the past. I mean, we were primarily doing everything under center. So I thought it was good work.”
The modified approach included Love taking under-center snaps off a stool and holding the football during shotgun formations rather than catching it from the center. While these adjustments may seem minor, they represent creative problem-solving from the coaching staff to maximize Love’s development time while protecting his injury.
Seven-on-Seven Drills Replace Full Contact
One of the most notable aspects of Love’s return was the Packers’ decision to run seven-on-seven drills—something LaFleur typically avoids because he believes it doesn’t adequately simulate real football without offensive and defensive lines involved. However, the circumstances called for flexibility in the team’s approach.
The decision proved beneficial, as it allowed Love to throw passes and work on timing with his receivers without the risk of contact or pressure from pass rushers. LaFleur noted that similar seven-on-seven work is planned for the upcoming joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks on August 21, ensuring Love can continue building chemistry with his targets.
Limited Role Expected for Seahawks Practice
While Love’s return is encouraging, LaFleur made it clear that expectations should remain tempered for the immediate future. The coach explicitly stated that Love will be “very limited” during the joint practice with Seattle, acknowledging that full participation is still some time away.
This measured approach reflects the organization’s commitment to Love’s long-term health rather than rushing him back too quickly. With backup quarterback Malik Willis expected to receive “a good amount of reps” in the preseason finale, including work with the starters, the Packers are demonstrating depth and patience in their quarterback management.
What This Means for the Packers’ 2025 Season
Love’s progress, while encouraging, underscores the delicate balance the Packers must strike between preparing for the season opener and protecting their franchise quarterback’s health. The thumb surgery, performed to repair a ligament, was a necessary step to ensure Love’s long-term effectiveness, but it has created a compressed timeline for preparation.
The fact that Love is already throwing effectively with his healthy right hand suggests the injury shouldn’t significantly impact his arm strength or accuracy once fully healed. However, the limited practice time could affect timing and chemistry with receivers, particularly newer additions to the roster.
Looking Ahead to Week 1
As the Green Bay Packers prepare for their season opener, Love’s recovery timeline will be closely monitored. The fact that he’s already participating in practice, even in a limited capacity, less than a week after surgery, speaks to both his dedication and the medical staff’s confidence in his healing progress.
The key will be gradually increasing Love’s workload while ensuring he doesn’t experience any setbacks. LaFleur’s measured optimism suggests the team believes Love will be ready for meaningful action when the games count, but they’re not willing to take unnecessary risks during the preseason.
Final Thoughts
Matt LaFleur’s comments about Jordan Love’s return paint a picture of cautious optimism mixed with practical realism. While the quarterback’s ability to throw effectively and participate in modified drills is encouraging, the Packers are clearly prioritizing his long-term health over immediate results.
As the team navigates the final weeks of preseason preparation, Love’s continued progress will be crucial not just for his individual development but for the entire offense’s rhythm heading into what could be a pivotal season for the franchise.
The creative solutions implemented by the coaching staff demonstrate their commitment to keeping Love engaged while protecting his recovery, setting a foundation for both immediate success and long-term sustainability at the game’s most important position.
