Matt LaFleur reveals details of Jordan Love skipping practice because of contract

July 22, 2024

The Green Bay Packers will begin training camp without their franchise quarterback on the practice field.

Jordan Love has reported to training camp, but general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed he will not practice until he signs a new contract. Gutekunst said they are “close” and believes the two sides will come to an agreement soon.

It’s important to note that this is a “hold-in” for Love, not a “hold-out.” He is with the team and attending meetings, but not practicing. Love wouldn’t be in Green Bay if it was a complete hold-out.

Love wants the long-term security that comes with a new contract, and practicing carries the risk of injury.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke to the media before practice on Monday. He provided more details and revealed that Love will still participate in everything else.

“He’ll be at practice. He’s been in meetings. Hopefully we can get something done sooner rather than later,” LaFleur said.

“You want everybody out there,” LaFleur said. “We’re confident he’ll be out there sooner or later, and I know how he prepares, so I’m not too worried about it. He’ll do whatever he can to get the mental reps. Obviously, the physical reps are what’s really important.”

In the meantime, LaFleur said there will be a 50/50 split between backups Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt, with Clifford starting as QB1. He said they’ll have to “adjust on the fly” without Love having to practice.

It’s far from ideal, but it could be a lot worse. Love isn’t holding out. He’s in Green Bay, working with his teammates and participating in practice. The only thing he’s missing is valuable practice time to get back in the groove with his receivers.

LaFleur is happy with the overall mood in the locker room, but says Love’s reticence should not become a distraction.

“There’s a lot of energy going on here right now. Anytime you talk about the character of the football team and why that’s so important, I think you can feel that with our guys,” LaFleur said. “We all have a lot of work to do. If we can focus on that and not let that become a distraction, I think that’s imperative.”

We can expect Love’s new deal to come very soon.