GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers host the 3-0 Minnesota Vikings at noon Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. For the second straight week, Love faced a group of reporters wondering if he’ll be able to play Sunday.
“We’re building it up for sure,” Love said. “Every day is a little bit better. And, it’s kind of just based on how I’m feeling. And kind of just basing off of my practice day how I’m feeling and going from there.”
The Packers have gone 2-0 with Malik Willis starting at quarterback to fill in for Love. Willis’ approach this week remains unchanged.
“The same as last week, the same as the week before that, the same as the first week in Brazil,” Willis said. “Just try to prepare as best you can and be ready to go if called upon.”
Sunday’s game will also mark the return to Green Bay for former Packers running back Aaron Jones, who is now with the Vikings. Jones penned a classy article for the Players’ Tribune, saluting Green Bay and the Packers.
“I think it will be awesome to be able to see ‘Jonesy’ again,” Love said. “Aaron Jones is a phenomenal teammate, phenomenal player. One of my favorite all-time players, for sure. Obviously, the situation sucks that he’s on the other side.”
“He’s been our teammate for what, seven years?” said Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark. “To see him across the field, it’s definitely going to be a little different. We are excited to play him. We know he’s going to be amped up to play us. We’re gonna be amped up too.”
It’s not just the players who are excited to see Jones this weekend.
“He was everything,” Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur said. “There was a reason he was a captain here. He did so much for the community. I thought he always represented the organization the way you want a player to represent the organization. And he’s helped so many people. Just a good, positive spirit. He would always put his arm around anybody that was struggling in the locker room. I think a lot of guys truly looked up to him. His legacy will live on forever.”
But as LaFleur said, it’s just like when he coaches against his brother: The love for Jones will go on hold for a few hours Sunday.