Timetable for Packers QB Jordan Love’s return is “approximately 3 weeks”

The timeline for Jordan Love's recovery from a knee sprain is becoming clearer. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers expect Love to be out “about three weeks” with a minor MCL sprain, and there's a chance he could return sooner.

“From what I understand, it's a Grade 1 to Grade 2 MCL sprain that will probably keep him out for a couple of weeks,” Rapoport said on NFL Network Sunday morning. “From what I understand, Jordan Love is probably about three weeks. Could he make it? Certainly he could. We'll see if he's able to, but either way, Love isn't going to play the next couple of games.”

Love was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Packers' season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night. Rapoport reiterated that Love avoided the worst-case scenarios, such as a torn ACL or a sprained ankle. A mild medial collateral ligament sprain does not require surgery.

The Packers face the Indianapolis Colts at home in Week 2, travel to the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 3 and host the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field in Week 4. It's possible Love could return as early as Week 5 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 6 — a month after Friday's season opener. The shorter end of the schedule also keeps Week 4 against the Vikings in play.

Rapoport also said no decision has been made on the starting quarterback while Love is out. Malik Willis, a third-round pick of the Titans in 2022, is on the 53-man roster, but Sean Clifford, who backed up Love as a rookie last season, is another option. Clifford has the experience edge in Matt LaFleur's offense, but a disappointing summer led to Willis being traded in the final cuts and Clifford being demoted to the practice squad at the start of the 2024 season.

“At the moment it is still unclear whether it will be Malik Willis or Sean Clifford,” said Rapoport. “We will see who is the starter in the future.”

Rapoport did not mention that the Packers are looking elsewhere for a quarterback.

With Love's injury status now clearer, the question in Green Bay is: Can Willis or Clifford steal a game or two while Love recovers on the sidelines?