GREEN BAY (Wis.) -- Jordan Love did everything a Green Bay Packers quarterback would do to prepare for Sunday's match against the Seattle Seahawks. However, it was only a contingency plan for Aaron Rodgers's possible absence.
Rodgers spent the whole week connected to the team via virtual communication, but he did not practice. Since Nov. 3, when he was diagnosed with the virus, Rodgers has been absent from Lambeau Field.
Love stated Friday that it was a typical week for him. It's similar to last week when I got all the reps. "Just getting the game plan done, prepping like I'm playing and then Aaron will be back Saturday. It's the same for me. We'll still be playing for the entire week, and then we will be ready for anything that happens.
Love was the first NFL player to make his debut in the loss at the Kansas City Chiefs, which resulted in a 13-7 defeat. Rodgers was only a minor participant in preparations for the game. However, this week was very different.
Matt LaFleur, Packers coach, said that he had spoken to Aaron about what he needed to be prepared to go. He wouldn't have missed a single practice session and then gone on to play a game for the first time in his professional career. As long as he is confident in what we are doing together, we will see where he is tomorrow.
Rodgers admitted during Tuesday's appearance on "The Pat McAfee show" that there are still some health and conditioning hurdles he must overcome when he returns to the team Saturday. LaFleur stated that it would be a regular Saturday, with meetings and a brief jog-through on the field. There won't be any extra preparation to make up for Rodgers absence throughout the week.
LaFleur stated, "Just as we told Jordan, you've got to have the courage to go," "And if that is the route we take, then he will be ready."
All Pro David Bakhtiari is unlikely to be left tackle for the quarterback who starts. Although he was activated by the Packers from the physically ineligible to perform list Wednesday, it does not appear that Bakhtiari is ready to play after his ACL surgery 10 months ago.
He was listed by the Packers as in doubt for Sunday's match against the Seahawks. He was a participant in a small portion of Thursday's practice, before being absent on Friday. LaFleur stated that Bakhtiari didn't have a setback, but that it was part of the process.
