NFL Rumors: Packers' Jordan Love Out vs. Colts with Knee Injury; Could Return Week 4

Even though Jordan Love isn't expected to play on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, the Green Bay Packers could get their star quarterback back on the low end of projections after he sprained his MCL.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Love playing on Sunday is "not happening" because he hasn't been medically cleared even though head coach Matt LaFleur has kept the door open for it.

Love was later downgraded to doubtful for the game, with Sean Clifford elevated from the practice squad to the active roster, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Russini added that Love returning in Week 3 is considered a "long shot" and the most optimistic timeline would have him back in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings "if there are no snags" in his recovery.

Love suffered the injury on the Packers' final drive in their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the initial timetable for Love to return is three to six weeks with "some early optimism he could return sooner than later, pending a second opinion."

LaFleur told reporters on Monday that Love won't be placed on injured reserve, which would keep him out for at least four games. He also said Malik Willis would be the starter if Love isn't cleared to play, with Sean Clifford as the backup.

The Packers have officially listed Love as questionable for Sunday even though he didn't practice at all this week.

LaFleur said Wednesday that Love didn't need to practice to be available against the Colts, but he would need to be medically cleared and able to protect himself from further injury.

"We have to feel like he can protect himself," LaFleur explained. "He's got to be confident enough to go out there and do that. Until that happens, we're not even going to think about that."

Willis was acquired by the Packers on Aug. 26 in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The 25-year-old started three games for the Titans as a rookie in 2022. He has thrown for 350 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in 12 career appearances over the past three seasons.

The Packers are looking to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2006.