For both the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers, the 2023 NFL season became a tale of contrasting fortunes in their quarterback rooms. Aaron Rodgers, the Jets’ anticipated centerpiece, faced an unfortunate setback as a season-ending injury sidelined him, shattering the team’s high aspirations for offensive dominance.
Meanwhile, Rodgers’ former team, the Packers, navigated a fresh start with Jordan Love at quarterback. Initially met with skepticism, Love’s exceptional performances propelled the Packers into an unexpected resurgence. By displaying remarkable skill and composure, the QB guided his team toward the brink of their playoff race.
Is the Packers QB playing against the Bears?
In Sunday’s season finale against the Chicago Bears, Jordan Love holds no injury designation and neither his Packers sparked any speculation about his potential to not play in the match, meaning he will play. Besides him, the team’s injury list reads like a catalogue of setbacks.
Free safety Rudy Ford is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while linebacker Isaiah McDuffie’s status remains in doubt as he navigates concussion protocol alongside a neck injury. Besides them, guard Elgton Jenkins, tight end Luke Musgrave, wide receiver Jayden Reed, outside linebacker Preston Smith, tackle Luke Tenuta, running back Emanuel Wilson, and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks are all questionable for the match, via SportsKeeda.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander, safety Zayne Anderson, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, defensive back Keisean Nixon, center Josh Myers, safety Darnell Savage, defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton, linebacker Quay Walker, and safety Jonathan Owens have been enrolled on the injury report but were not assigned any official designation.
Meanwhile, the Bears aren’t immune to the injury bug either. Key starters like nickelback Kyler Gordon, tight end Cole Kmet, running back Khalil Herbert, and long snapper Patrick Scales face uncertainties due to their respective injuries. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney remains in concussion protocol, while others like DJ Moore and quarterback Tyson Bagent, though previously listed on the injury report, don’t carry official designations for the upcoming contest.
Playoff spot on the line for Packers
The Packers themselves are at a pivotal juncture ahead of their Week 8 clash. With the upcoming showdown against the Bears, the intensity surges as the team stands on the brink of securing a playoff spot. Despite recent stumbles against the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their fate is in their hands. If they win the match at home, they are in.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the magnitude of this game is not lost on Jordan Love. For the Packers, it is a must-win scenario, as The New York Times simulator gives them just a 23% chance of making it to the playoffs if they falter.
Love, gearing up for arguably the most significant game in his tenure with the Packers, exuded confidence and embraced the pressure. He has decided to relish these moments, thrive under pressure, and revel in the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“That’s what you play for, right? You play for these moments, these opportunities to play in the competitive games. You want to be playing in these games to have a chance to go to the playoffs. That’s exactly where we’re at and I think everybody’s excited for it. It’s going to be fun,” he said.
The Week 18 matchup isn’t just about securing a playoff berth; it is also a battle that pits the Packers’ revamped defense against their scorching offense. Jordan Love’s exceptional performance over the past nine weeks has been a beacon of hope for the team. His efficiency ranks among the best, showcasing a level of play reminiscent of MVP-caliber performances, which even earned him praise from his successor, Aaron Rodgers.
