Packers' LaFleur: Door is 'Pretty Open' for Jordan Love to Play vs. Colts Amid Injury

Despite initial reports he could miss three to six weeks due to a sprained MCL, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is still being considered to potentially start Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said the door is "pretty open" for Love to start in Week 2.

LaFleur explained that Love would first need to be medically cleared and feel like he can protect himself before they would put him on the field, but he wouldn't necessarily need to practice leading up to the game in order to play.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Love was diagnosed with a sprain between a Grade 1 and Grade 2 in his MCL.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero added the expected timetable for Love to return was between three to six weeks, but there was "some early optimism" he could be back before then pending the results of a second opinion.

There have been indications the Packers are optimistic about a short recovery period for Love. LaFleur told reporters on Monday they weren't going to place him on injured reserve and they had no plans to sign a veteran quarterback for depth.

Placing Love on injured reserve would have kept him out for a minimum of four weeks. Malik Willis will get the start against the Colts and Sean Clifford will serve as the backup if Love is unable to play.

Love was injured on the Packers' final drive in Friday's 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. His left knee bent awkwardly when it got pinned up against Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

Green Bay's medical staff helped Love off the field. Willis came in at quarterback for the final two plays of the game.

Willis made three starts as a rookie with the Tennessee Titans in 2022. He went 11-of-26 for 135 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in those games. The 25-year-old owns a 52.2 completion percentage with no touchdowns and three interceptions in 12 games during his NFL career.

Love has started every game for the Packers since the start of the 2023 season. His 32 touchdown passes last season were the second-most in the NFL.

The Packers host the Colts at Lambeau Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.