Matt LaFleur had a clear vision for his Green Bay Packers starters as they prepared to take the field for their preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. His game plan was straightforward: execute, make an impact, and then get off the field. "We wanted them to go out there and score on their first play, and grab an interception on defense on their first play," LaFleur said before the game. "The goal was to see them compete, execute smoothly, and then pull them out."
In his first action since signing a hefty four-year, $220 million extension just a week into training camp, Jordan Love nearly made LaFleur’s vision a reality. On just his third snap of the game, Love connected with second-year receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a spectacular 65-yard touchdown pass. And with that, Love’s night was over.
Looking ahead, it seems Love might not see any more preseason action until the regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6 in Brazil. After the Packers’ 23-10 victory, LaFleur announced that Love and most of the offensive starters would sit out the second preseason game at Denver next Sunday. Instead, they’ll get their work in during a joint practice with the Broncos on Friday. "We'll use that competitive practice as their game reps, and let the other guys play in the second preseason game," LaFleur explained. "We’ll reassess for the third game."
This approach is a shift from last August, when Love played in all three preseason games to prepare for his first full season as the starter. In contrast, LaFleur had previously opted not to play Aaron Rodgers in the preseason. "I think we could just jump into the season," Love said about the possibility of skipping further preseason games. "But I think getting a few more snaps would be beneficial. We only had three plays tonight, so having a longer drive and a few more plays would be nice."
Several regular or potential starters were absent from the game against the Browns. Right tackle Zach Tom, still on the mend from a pec injury, first-round pick Jordan Morgan (recovering from a shoulder issue), and cornerback Jaire Alexander (dealing with personal reasons) did not play.
Backup quarterback Sean Clifford took the reins after Love's early exit, leading the Packers through the next five possessions. Clifford orchestrated three scoring drives—one touchdown and two field goals—and finished with a solid 10-of-19 passing for 111 yards.
The Packers emerged from the game with minimal injury concerns, with the only in-game injury reported being a hamstring issue for rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd.
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