Packers break protocol to give Jordan Love reps days after thumb surgery

Packers quarterback Jordan Love rejoined practice in rainy Green Bay on Monday, days after surgery to repair ligament damage in his left thumb.
In a break from practice norms and against his own preferences, head coach Matt LaFleur used 7-on-7 work and other minor modifications to get the ball in Love’s hands with a goal of getting him ready for Week 1 of the regular season.
LaFleur repeated his personal dislike of partial team scrimmage situations and 7-on-7 drills in explaining how the Packers would work Love back into the mix. Equipment staff also used a short footstool as a perch near the height of a normal received snap, alleviating the pounding a quarterback would take working on traditional snaps behind center or in shotgun formation.
In his only previous practice since being injured on his final play of the Aug. 9 preseason opener against the New York Jets, Love essentially operated one-handed as a passer and on handoffs.
With his surgically repaired thumb heavily bandaged and covered in clear wrap or plastic in the rain on Monday, Love had no limitations when passing the ball.
Malik Willis handled first-team offense duties at quarterback and would be in line to start if Love isn’t cleared for the Sept. 7 opener against the visiting Detroit Lions.