Rob DemovskyESPN Staff Writer3 Minute Reading
Why Ryan Clark likes Jordan Love to shine vs. the Saints
Ryan Clark picks the Saints-Packers Week 3 matchup.
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jordan Love’s first-ever start at Lambeau Field took a bit of a hit even before Sunday’s start.
Three key players on the Green Bay Packers offense have been declared inactive ahead of the home opener against the New Orleans Saints: running back Aaron Jones, receiver Christian Watson and left tackle David Bakhtiari. Also, left guard Elgton Jenkins is out.
The Packers defense may also be short-handed, with No. 1 cornerback Jaire Alexander. Alexander was added to the injury report last Friday due to a back injury and is questionable.
Jones, Watson and Bakhtiari were listed as questionable heading into the game. Jones has not played since suffering a hamstring injury at the start of the season, while Watson has not played this season due to the same ailment. Bakhtiari will miss his second game in a row due to issues with a serious left knee injury. Jenkins suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee last Sunday against the Falcons.
Coach Matt LaFleur can play it safe in hopes that the Packers (1-1) will have some of those players return for short change for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
“They’re all important,” LaFleur said Friday. “I think if the guys are healthy enough to go, they’re going to go. If not, hopefully we can get them back for Thursday. You don’t want to put too much importance on one game or looking ahead. We’re going to be full hands of a very good football team 2-0, and we need everyone to be at their best.
Love threw just 11 career passes at Lambeau. Most of his playing time has been on the road: in Kansas City and in Detroit in 2021, in Philadelphia last year and his two starts this season in Chicago and in Atlanta, giving him 124 of his 135 career pass attempts on the road.