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Packers to start QB Jordan Love against Steelers. What about Aaron Rodgers?
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
At least one half of a potentially notable preseason quarterback matchup is in place.
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Aug. 11 that he plans to play Jordan Love in his team’s Aug. 13 preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“It’s pretty fluid in regards to how many snaps,” LaFleur said in a news conference prior to practice. “But I do think there’s a lot of value for all our guys to just get mentally prepared to go play a game.”
The move is in keeping with the Packers‘ past preparation for Love, who has started the preseason opener since he became the team’s starter in 2023.
Whether Aaron Rodgers squares off against his former team, however, has yet to be determined. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said on Aug. 11 that he would decide in the evening on the four-time NFL MVP’s playing status.
“He prefers to play,” McCarthy said in a news conference. ” … I’ve never had a quarterback who didn’t want to play (in the preseason). So it’s really how it all fits together.”
Rodgers, however, seemed to contradict his head coach, telling reporters he was apathetic about the notion of playing in an exhibition setting.
“It’s preseason. It’s not real football,” Rodgers said. “If I do (play), great. If not, great.”
The Packers’ dinged-up receiving corps appears to be getting healthy in time to join Love for the opener. Wideouts Matthew Golden (toe) and Jayden Reed (ankle) both returned to practice on Aug. 11 after missing time with their respective injuries.
Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/
