Packers' Jordan Love 'definitely' ready to start if Aaron Rodgers remains away

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst raised eyes following the 2021 NFL Draft when he reportedly stated that backup quarterback and 2020 rookie Jordan Love had "a long way to go" before he'd be ready to replace future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. The statement became all the more concerning when the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player failed to appear for the start of mandatory minicamp amid reports he wishes to be traded. 

That was before Love had a stellar performance during Wednesday's practice session, and he told reporters later in the day he'll be "100%" good to go if the Packers need him to start against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 on Sept. 12. 

"Obviously, this is a time where I'm getting a lot of extremely valuable reps that I might not have been getting in a normal circumstance," he explained, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. "So I'm just going to take it day by day ... But yeah, that's what I'm here for. I was drafted here to play quarterback, so I'll definitely be ready Week 1." 

Per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk, Love added that he and Rodgers have had "a good relationship" over the past year. "I talked to him probably a week before I got out here," Love said. 

Former Packers wide receiver James Jones remains convinced Rodgers will eventually return and claim his spot atop the depth chart this summer, but Love is working as if he's QB1 for more than just warmups against teammates.