Close Call

Pittsburgh v Green Bay 10/3/2021 dwm

 The Packers lost the first game of the season to the Philadelphia Eagles. Thankfully, the loss wasn't compounded by a season-ending injury.

 Quarterback Jordan Love was hurt on the third to last play when defenders trying to corral him bent his left knee in a direction it's not supposed to go.

 The worst-case scenario would have been an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear that could have sidelined the QB for the rest of the season.

 Green Bay flew back from Brazil after the game to run tests on Love's knee. By mid-afternoon, reporters for ESPN and the NFL networks said it was a sprained MCL, his medial collateral ligament.

 Recovery time for an MCL sprain is 3 to 4 weeks, which could have Jordan back as soon as their game in Las Angeles against the Rams or at home the following week when the Arizona Cardinals come to Lambeau Field.

 This is Love's first major injury. There is no chance the Packers will rush him back before he is either fully-recovered or unlikely to cause further damage by playing. He's a athlete who just signed a multi-year extension, Green Bay wants him around for the long run. 

For as long as I remember, the Packers have been conservative with player injuries, as much as Jordan will want to get back out there with his teammates, he won't return until he's ready. 

The team didn't perform to expectations Friday. They need to re-group and have everyone ready to do their 1/11th. If they do that, the Packers will be ready when Jordan is... Go Pack, Go!