Jordan Love returns to Packers practice after thumb surgery

Just six days after surgery on his left thumb, Love was back at practice Monday, taking part in all drills except 11-on-11s. He practiced with his thumb wrapped, later covering his non-throwing hand with a plastic bag once the rain came down, and now looks to be ramping up as the regular season opener against the Detroit Lions quickly approaches.

The Packers adjusted drills to protect Love’s thumb, having him begin shotgun snaps with the ball already in hand and, for plays under center, lifting the ball off a small stool to avoid any contact.

It remains to be seen how much work Jordan Love will take on, but it likely won’t be heavy at first. The Packers are prioritizing his health ahea d of the season, knowing he’ll once again drive the offense.

Jordan Love back at Packers practice

Coach Matt LaFleur shook up practice by inserting two 7-on-7 periods, a drill he typically avoids because it leaves out both offensive and defensive linemen. Jordan Love made the most of the reps, firing 16 completions on 24 attempts. He threw two interceptions but also dropped a perfectly placed touchdown to rookie Matthew Golden, zipping the ball on a corner route between two defenders.

Malik Willis ran every snap with the starters during full 11-on-11 drills.

Jordan Love underwent surgery last Tuesday to fix a torn ligament in his thumb, an injury he sustained in the Aug. 9 preseason matchup with the Jets. Love initially tried to push through practice two days later, but after completing the session, he decided surgery was the better option to make sure he’s ready and pain-free for the Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the Lions.

The Packers wrap up training camp this week with two more practices, highlighted by Thursday’s joint session with the Seahawks, before closing out the preseason against Seattle on Saturday.

Although Love came back on Monday, the Packers still kept 16 players sidelined with injuries. Newly added to the list were linemen Aaron Banks (back), Jacob Monk (hamstring), Kenny Clark (back), and Lukas Van Ness (back). On the positive side, receiver Romeo Doubs rejoined practice after dealing with a back issue last week.