Packers coach Matt LaFleur talks Jordan Love, Malik Willis, other injuries
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur provides injury updates on the team, including Jordan Love, as the team holds a light practice Dec. 23.
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers are conducting a walk-through instead of a full practice, and quarterback Jordan Love will be a part of it.
Since it’s just a walk-through, the Packers will have to estimate what Love and other injured players’ statuses will be for the Baltimore game on Saturday, Dec. 27.
LaFleur said Love would be listed as limited.
Love remains in the concussion protocol. It is a good sign that he’s able to take part in the walk-through, but the protocol is a progressive program and Love will have to pass various landmarks before he can take part in full activity. The last is being cleared by an independent neurologist, which might not take place until Friday or Saturday.
Love suffered the concussion after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Chicago Bears defensive end Austin Booker in the Packers’ 22-16 overtime loss Dec. 20 at Soldier Field.
Backup quarterback Malik Willis, who injured his left shoulder in the game, also will be limited, LaFleur said. Willis’ injury came on the team’s final series of regulation. He was able to play in the overtime period and did not look hampered, especially on a a cross-the-field throw to Jayden Reed that gained 31 yards.
The Packers won’t have a full practice until Dec. 24.
Though both Love and Willis are taking part in activities early in the week, LaFleur said it was too early to think they were locks to play against the Ravens.
“Not necessarily,” he said. “We’ve got to see how they progress throughout the course of the week. So, by no means are they in the clear.”
LaFleur said practice squad quarterback Clayton Tune would be involved in the week’s preparation as he normally is. He said Tune attends the games and is familiar with the sideline and huddle operation.
Here are updates on some other injured Packers:
Packers’ Dec. 23 injury report
Since the Packers only held a walk-through practice, these are estimated reports.
From the team’s injury report, Quinton Bohanna (illness), Bo Melton (illness), Zach Tom (back/knee) and Kristian Welch (ankle) did not partcipate.
Jordan Love (left shoulder/concussion), Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle), Aaron Banks (neck), Aaron Mosby (ankle), Sean Rhyan (knee), Jordon Riley (ankle), Lukas Van Ness (foot), Josh Whyle (concussion), Evan Williams (knee), John Williams (IR/back) and Malik Willis (right shoulder) were limited.
Romeo Doubs (wrist), Collin Oliver (hamstring), Christian Watson (shoulder), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) and Savion Williams (foot) were full participants.
Running back Josh Jacobs
LaFleur said running back Josh Jacobs would be limited, which is a step up from a week ago when he missed practice all three days.
Jacobs played 28 snaps against the Bears and carried 12 times for 36 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards. He lost a fumble on one of his carries.
LaFleur said dealing with Jacobs’ continuing knee troubles is complicated and choosing not to practice or play him makes it difficult for him and the offense.
“I wish we were in a better position to do that,” LaFleur said of resting him. “This is where the collaboration comes in, with myself, with him and our athletic trainers in terms of what’s best for the short term, as well as trying to weigh in the long term.”
Right tackle Zach Tom
Veteran tackle Zach Tom missed the Bears game with back and knee injuries and his status this week is up in the air.
LaFleur said Tom “was doing better” but he didn’t say what his status would be on the injury report or if he would practice this week.
Second-year pro Jordan Morgan started for Tom and LaFleur said he handled himself well.
“I thought there were a lot of good things,” LaFleur said. “Are there things that we have to clean up? Absolutely, there always is. But it was encouraging by and large. For the most part, I know he had the one play at the end of the game, which is unfortunate, but all in all, I thought it was pretty solid.”
Safety Evan Williams
Another starter who missed the Bears game, safety Evan Williams, is also doing better, according to LaFleur, but he did not offer anything further.
Nickel corner Javon Bullard filled in at safety for Williams with backup corner Nate Hobbs filling the nickel spot.
LaFleur said Bullard played well.
“I think it speaks a lot to him, just his ability,” LaFleur said. “He’s a hell of a football player. The play style is on point. I think there are some similarities between when you talk about the nickel position and playing safety, but to go out there and do it, especially for a young player, I think, is pretty remarkable.
“One thing you know about him is you’re going to get his all every time he goes out on the field.”
Tight end Josh Whyle
LaFleur said tight end Josh Whyle, who suffered a concussion against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 14 and missed the Bears game, would be listed as a limited participant.
The Packers were down to Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick against the Bears and then lost FitzPatrick to a season-ending Achilles injury. If Whyle can play, the Packers might not have to bring up one of their practice squad tight ends since they can also use tackle Darian Kinnard as a blocking tight end.
Micah Parsons update
LaFleur said Micah Parsons is expected to return to the facility Dec. 24 after traveling to the Dallas area for the birth of his third child.
Parsons has not had surgery to repair his torn ACL, but LaFleur said that would be forthcoming. Parsons was placed on injured reserve last week and is out for the season.