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Matt LaFleur makes strategic move to ensure Jordan Love gets back on the practice field as soon as possible

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 11:22 AM ET

Matt LaFleur hates seven-on-sevens. In general, the Green Bay Packers head coach thinks this type of practice format is useless, because it doesn't reflect what actually happens on a football field. Well, circumstances can change a man's plan, and this is what's happening with the Packers now.

Quarterback Jordan Love is getting back from a left thumb injury. After going through a surgery last Tuesday, the starter is expected to get back to practice this week in some capacity. And to fit what Love can do, maximizing his work, the Packers are considering some seven-on-sevens early this week.

"Hopefully get him back in some capacity into practice," LaFleur said on Sunday about the expectations for Love this week, before using some level of irony to reveal his plans. "We kind of just went through everything. We're going to alter some things to allow him to get involved. Do my favorite seven-on-seven that I absolutely despise, but in some instances, it's good. So I'd rather do that than just throw on air. So we'll incorporate some seven-on-seven into practice."

Usually, the Packers do individual drills, one-on-ones, and 11-on-11s. But in this case, Love would be limited to throws against the air. Ultimately, getting the quarterback back on the field and making some work as similar to a game as possible should be the main goal—especially to keep building connections with the wide receivers, rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden in particular.

Jordan Love hasn't practiced since last Monday, when he tested his already injured thumb to see if he was able to operate. He was, but the Packers and Love himself thought the most prudent decision was to proceed with the surgery, since the quarterback would have enough time to get back before the regular season.

The Packers will have a closed practice on Monday and open practices on Tuesday and Wednesday—the last one is expected to be just a walkthrough. Green Bay has a joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, and then the preseason finale at Lambeau Field on Saturday.

We are less than three weeks away from the regular season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7, so there will be more than enough time between now and then for Jordan Love to be close to 100%. And LaFleur's adaptable style will be a part of it.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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