Packers QB Jordan Love set to make first regular season NFL start vs. Chiefs
The long-awaited starting debut of Green Bay Packers 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love will arrive Sunday in Kansas City amidst the most unusual circumstances.
Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and, as an unvaccinated player, will miss Sunday’s start against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Love, who has played in two games and thrown seven passes this season, is set make his first regular-season NFL start.
The Packers traded up in the 2020 NFL draft to select Love at No. 26 overall. Taking over for Rodgers in this scenario probably wasn’t the big moment the Packers envisioned when they took Love in the first round, but it’s here anyway.
It’s possible Sunday’s start won’t be the last for Love. Rodgers tested positive on Wednesday and must now miss 10 days, and he can’t return to the team without two negative tests spaced 24 hours apart after the 10 days. He first day of eligibility would be Saturday, Nov. 13, a day before the Packers take on the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field.
Love started two preseason games for the Packers in August, completing 24 of 35 passes for 271 yards, one touchdown and one interception in games against the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills. He also received the majority of the offseason reps while Rodgers was away from the team.
During the Week 1 blowout against the New Orleans Saints, Love took over for Rodgers late in the contest and completed five of seven passes for 68 yards.
Love and the 7-1 Packers will take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
If nothing else, the opportunities ahead for Love will give the Packers a terrific look at the young quarterback in two big games. This could be an important evaluation period as the team charts its future at the quarterback position after 2021.
