Cory's Corner: What Happened To Summer Of Love?
A lingering throwing shoulder injury could force the Packers hand.
This was supposed to be the summer of Love.
But all we have so far is the summer of frustration.
A shoulder injury has only allowed Jordan Love to play in one half — which is his only game experience as a pro.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that plucky upstart Kurt Benkert should be anointed as the No. 2 behind Aaron Rodgers. I believe Matt Lafleur when he said that Love has done enough in practices to remain the backup.
However, it doesn’t exactly make you feel all warm and fuzzy either. He did participate in practice for the first time in a week after missing last week with a right shoulder injury.
Love may play in the preseason finale at Buffalo on Saturday afternoon, but a right shoulder injury isn’t something to take lightly. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott has a right shoulder injury and there are reports that he may miss an extended amount of time this season.
Which of course begs the question, if Love’s shoulder gets worse, should the Packers pick up the phone for someone like Nick Foles or Marcus Mariota? Remember, Rodgers was upset this past offseason because he claimed the Packers didn’t go all-in. Filling some much-needed depth holes would certainly answer those questions.
Obviously, this could also put a huge monkey wrench in future plans. How much stronger will the Packers want to keep Rodgers in 2022 if Love never gets healthy?
As soon as Rodgers came back, it seemed like an unwritten rule that this was going to be Rodgers’ final season in Green Bay. The Packers reworked his contract and even voided the final year of his deal.
I know Rodgers hates the term, “Farewell Tour” but isn’t that what this is? Rodgers has had a laser focus this preseason and is using that famed motivational chip to prove people wrong that his MVP season last year wasn’t an aberration.
So if there is a potential of Rodgers leaving and Davante Adams leaving, you might as well cover yourself. If Love cannot shake his shoulder issues this season, they need to get a competent quarterback. Does that mean that Love cannot play the position? No. I was actually quite impressed with what I saw in the preseason opener. He showed plenty of poise and was comfortable.
However, those two things won’t help the Packers if Love cannot go and they desperately need him. That right shoulder is definitely something to keep an eye on this year.
Granted, Love is still a baby in the woods when it comes to pro football, but an injury to your throwing shoulder is so much more worrisome.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
__________________________
Comments (78)
Bure9620
August 24, 2021 at 06:26 am
I don't belive this is structural, this is not a an AC joint or rotater cuff injury. It's a muscle strain. Muscles heel, you and I pull them all the time. I don't think this is an issue at all, this is likely McKenzie and Lefleur being insanely cautious. The title of the article seems again we have those are still not happy with the Love pick and really want this to not work out....
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 07:39 am
"Muscles heel, you and I pull them all the time."
Yeah, like when I sneezed a couple minutes ago...
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 07:52 am
At this point Love isn’t going to start and they don’t want to play him sub par. I doubt that he will miss this game, but I’m not surprised at their conservative approach.
k.rock87_SoCalPackerBacker
August 24, 2021 at 08:23 pm
You are so right... there are those pissed (a whole lot more than not) about the Love pick since what we needed was a plug 'n play LB! They probably could have gotten Love in the bottom of the 2nd round. I don't think Love has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL. Perhaps Love can prove me wrong, but I doubt it. We'll see.
Philarod
August 24, 2021 at 06:29 am
My first thought: "This was supposed to be the Summer of George!"
But seriously, I hope he heals soon.
CoryJennerjohn
August 24, 2021 at 05:08 pm
This is so outstanding!
Philarod
August 24, 2021 at 06:43 pm
Thank you!
NickPerry
August 24, 2021 at 06:36 am
I don't know Cory, with a medical staff as conservative as the Packers it's hard to say if the injury is really much of anything OR it's worse than we know. I'm not disputing something happened to his shoulder, just WHAT exactly that it was, and if it's even something worth worrying about.
My BIGGEST fear is the Packers are playing it ultra conservative and by the time the 2021 season is over, Love has played in exactly 2 quarters of live action in over 2 years. Now I don't know about you, but I sure as hell would be a bit more reluctant to trade one of the best to ever play the QB position with just TWO QUARTERS of live action in TWO YEARS next year. Don't get me wrong, I HATE what Rodgers did this summer and even though I do agree with some of what he said, Pro Football is a BUSINESS..It's always has been and always will be. Players feelings WILL get hurt.
Yesterday on one of the Packers Podcasts I listen to, the host played a tape of a Bears fan or podcaster who went OFF on Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. As a Packers fan it was hilarious but it also reminded me how much losing SUCKS. 2017 and 2018 really sucked as a Packers fan. I didn't enjoy watching the Packers playing in December with absolutely nothing on line. For the last 30 years December football meant something 95% of the time in GB.
I say ALL that to say this... I'm ALREADY nervous about next season and what's going to happen. Part of me LOVES the idea of trading Rodgers and getting a boat load in return to add to an already STOCKED and YOUNG roster. But if Love IS the QB, 2 quarters of live action sure in the hell ain't much if you're moving on from Aaron Rodgers.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 24, 2021 at 06:53 am
Love apparently threw passes with the trainers last week, but was not cleared to practice in the scrimmages. Love threw passes and worked out individually on Monday.
A little early to say but he probably plays most of the Buffalo game.
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 07:41 am
I think they learned their lesson and he only plays a half.
Buffalo's scrubs pasted Chicago's 1s and 2s on Saturday. They won't want to expose him any more than is necessary to help figure out where he's at, and to give the rest of the offense a little boost.
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 10:37 am
Be interesting to see who plays this week. I’d like to see Love with more of a starting group. If we go to our deeper backups then take him out certainly.
I wonder if they want to showcase Benkert though. I could see them wanting to dangle him for trade if they think there is interest already or hide him if they want him on the PS. In the latter case Love may play longer or we could get some Dolegala and the scrubs for PS evaluation.
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 10:55 am
I think they'll have Dolegala around because they don't want to get stuck playing Love more than they want if Benkert gets hurt in relief duty. I don't think Dolegala plays much more than a series or two.
PeteK
August 24, 2021 at 09:25 am
It would help if the O line blocks for him this time.
tincada
August 26, 2021 at 01:05 pm
They aren't playing Love more than 2 qtrs. Bettenkurt needs to be ready in clutch time as Love is not anywhere near ready
tincada
August 26, 2021 at 01:05 pm
They aren't playing Love more than 2 qtrs. Bettenkurt needs to be ready in clutch time as Love is not anywhere near ready
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 24, 2021 at 08:52 am
Nick,
Well said!
I too believe the shoulder injury amounts to nothing and the GBP's are being ultra conservative. As I recall, Love came in and played a final series after the hit affecting shoulder. Personally, I am extraordinarily frustrated regarding Love not getting more playing time. I FULLY understand the need to be cautious when it is a QB's throwing shoulder. I am only frustrated because we all know he needed all 3 pre-season games this summer as a minimum for the experience let alone the 2 day practices against the Jets. Barring injury to Rodgers this year how are the Packers going to know what they truly have in Love? How will they make their decision with Rodgers come next February?
This upcoming game against the Bill's will be 100% more difficult than the one last week against the Jets. Be a good a great test for Love. Very much looking forward to the game for that reason.
NickPerry
August 25, 2021 at 06:22 am
I don't know what kind of test it will be considering most teams will treat this game like they used to treat the 4th preseason game and not play anyone. Buffalo like the Packers has a hell of good, DEEP, football team so it should be a better test than the Texans that's for sure.
I just want to see progress from Love and maybe a little bit better showing by the defense no matter who's in the game.
dekan51
August 24, 2021 at 01:40 pm
m solidly in the opinion that AR wont be going anywhere....
PatrickGB
August 24, 2021 at 06:59 am
It would not surprise me if the team kept three QB’s this year. If Rodgers is gone after this year then Jordan will need a backup.
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 07:42 am
Tim Boyle will be available...he's going to get cut by the Lions...
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 07:52 am
Do we have a real conundrum then?
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 08:54 am
Nope
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 10:38 am
Party pooper
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 10:57 am
It's my job to extinguish joy...just ask my students!
Leatherhead
August 24, 2021 at 02:02 pm
Yeah, he looked pretty bad against the Steelers. Lions look bad, again.
There is a world of difference between being a QB on a good team or being on a bad team.
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 07:01 pm
Be curious how Stafford does this year as well as Trubisky
dekan51
August 24, 2021 at 01:43 pm
Benkirk aint being picked up by anyone if/when the Pack release him. Practice squad for him....
tincada
August 26, 2021 at 01:07 pm
They have no choice.
stockholder
August 24, 2021 at 07:09 am
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Time to Burn this pre-season. For a team that went all in. Were still seeing too many changes. The argument was that Love was ready. He isn't. So Burn it. Just stop the Love Hype. He's not Rodgers or Favre. When a QB has a Bad wing. Nothing is a given. Legends show off their arm. Love is a Band- Aid. And No Band Aid will stop the bleeding when a Legend Leaves.
BDaddy
August 24, 2021 at 08:11 am
I’ll second that
jannesbjornson
August 24, 2021 at 10:43 am
Rodgers will be chucking the rock for Packertown LLC in '22, count on it.
dekan51
August 24, 2021 at 01:48 pm
STOCKHOLDER. of course he isnt AR or BF. no one, and i mean NO ONE thinks he is. AR practiced 3 SEASONS as BF's backup, and still went 6-10 his 1st season, and that team had just been to the NFCCG the year before, so stop the comparison. JL will take time. We knew that when we drafted him. We wont know what we have after 1 preseason...you included. Personally, I think AR will be a Packer for years to come.....w JL as his backup.
Roadrunner23
August 24, 2021 at 07:14 am
The Packers got a good look at Love in both mini camp, training camp and just a little bit in that first preseason game.
By now they know exactly what they have. It is going to be a long season (including the Super Bowl) and a lot can happen.
A: Rodgers could get dinged, forcing Love to play a few games
B: Love could play some in blow out games
C: As the #2 Love will be getting some work with the ones in practice all season long.
D: Love will still get valuable time helping out and observing, charting games, in meetings etc…
Not just preseason games but the season as a whole will get Love the experience he needs.
Including being a valuable backup to the league MVP all the way to the Super Bowl!
Go Pack!!
ND
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 07:54 am
This year he will get the back up snaps in training that Boyle took last year too.
mattgsx
August 24, 2021 at 09:13 am
My thoughts exactly. I would have loved to see him play more in the PS and I'm hopeful he can play in Buffalo but I don't think it will change that much, considering how few starters played at all in the PS and the offense was extremely simplified.
You don't want your starting QB to miss time but I've seen enough to feel like, with the starting offense, Love could do enough to keep the season afloat until Rodgers comes back if he has to miss a few games.
dekan51
August 24, 2021 at 01:51 pm
MATTGSX
I think even fewer starters are gonna play this week. the 2 rookie OL, will they even play? Love will play......
Irish_Cheesehead
August 24, 2021 at 07:41 am
Love has a sprain. MRI came back clean. This article is ridiculous. Unfortunate he could not play last week but that’s football. Let’s not overreact here.
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 07:43 am
Going back to the well...
Since'61
August 24, 2021 at 10:31 am
And going back to the cookies! Thanks, Since '61
Packers0808
August 24, 2021 at 08:04 am
Of course LaFluer is going to say what he says about Love. What he is going to say nope the guy is really injured and we are in trouble. Actually watching Benkert he looked pretty darn good and comfortable as well. To me with the little look at both of them if Benkert is behind Love it looked miniscule at this point and anointing Love is not really anything important. Both guys look capable of being decent backups. Also all the speculation of Rodgers is all hype and new making. If Rodgers doesn't retire he will be a Packer until he does. Just my take.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 24, 2021 at 07:01 pm
Let's see we could also Be kept wS playing against one of the 2 worst teams in the league, and he had no pressure! Had nothing to lose and he knew it.
Love is going up against one of the top 2 or 3 teams in the league this weekend. He also is in a fish bowl being overly analyzed.
Packers0808
August 24, 2021 at 07:28 pm
Hopefully Benkert will get his chance for a half or so and for some reason he will I think out shine and out play Love! I don't know why but I just have much faith that Love will be more than a less than adequate back up!
tincada
August 26, 2021 at 01:12 pm
They may list Benkert as #3 but if push comes to shove guess who's going in as soon as they can get him in a uniform? KB
Dr.Rodgers
August 24, 2021 at 08:11 am
Oh my! What if?!
TheVOR
August 24, 2021 at 08:37 am
It's a secret conspiracy to get reps for the better backup QB talent and prospect, that being Benkert.. Benkert is probably the better longer term prospect, it's just that the management of the Packers could never have that play out, as the better QB was the "free" QB, and the #1 selection is a massive project. I think the arm talent, accuracy, and field vision is better with Benkert, and they're both needing a lot of work with ball security. Not a Jordan Love fan, I don't see "IT"....
LambeauPlain
August 24, 2021 at 08:50 am
Benkert had a good first half with a very sold O line performance of mostly second team and great RBs running behind it. He had a below average 2nd half when the subs of 3rd and 4th team began to play...most all of whom will not be on the 53.
Love played well last week. Benkert played well in the first half Saturday. Benkert is, at this point, a journeyman practice squad player. It would be great if the Packers can develop him into a viable backup.
He's not going to supplant Love. Benkert's goal is to convince the Packers to keep 3 QBs on the roster.
TheVOR
August 24, 2021 at 10:08 am
Why do you think he's not going to supplant Love? What has Love showed that we haven't known since watching his college and practice film?
There is no appreciable difference between the 2 QB's at this point, and that should be alarming for all Packers fans. The prospect of having to Watch Love QB this team in 2022 has me thinking I won't be watching Packers football in 2022. No "IT" factor on display with Love.
I think Benkert has the higher ceiling of the 2 QB's by far. Again, field vision, arm talent, and accuracy all fall to Benkert. Love was clearly not a #1 QB talent, he'll be out of the league inside of 4 years. No "IT" factor on display.
Both QB's need work on their footwork, and ball security issues plague both. Neither is close to ready to be called upon with any hope of GB winning a FB game. If I had to pick one that I'd actually enjoy watching, it would be Benkert, probably because I've watched so much film on Love and I just don't see it.. The improvement has been miniscule.
Archaism
August 24, 2021 at 10:20 am
But you see "IT" from a 4th year player in Benkert? Gotchya
Oppy
August 24, 2021 at 11:02 am
Jordan Love- pretty much universally regarded as a high 1st / low 2nd round QB talent. Was robbed of his rookie minicamp/training camp/preseason by covid. Put up a 110.4 QB rating in his first chance at live action in his first preseason game to start off his 2nd nfl season. Seems promising.
Kurt Benkert- Undrafted free agent picked up by Atlanta in 2018. Waived, signed to PS. August of 2019, Falcons place Benkert on IR for a toe injury (Technically, this makes him active roster in 2019). Spends all of 2020 on PS, until ATL releases him in favor of backup QBs AJ McCarron and Feleipe Franks. Benkert, entering his 4th season in the pros, is picked up by Green Bay where he posted a QB rating of 53.5 vs the Texans and 83.9 vs. the Jets.
Look, I'm all for underdogs working hard and making it in the NFL, but let's be realistic here. That's the comparison between Love and Benkert.
LambeauPlain
August 24, 2021 at 11:52 am
Well, that was well researched and positioned.
Let's move on. Love will be the back up and Benkert will be the the 3rd stringer or on the PS or gone.
dobber
August 24, 2021 at 08:59 am
Yawn
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 10:41 am
If only we still had Doyle, now he was a real Hall off Famer held back by Gute.
LambeauPlain
August 24, 2021 at 08:40 am
Well, this story is a real hand wringer.
Here's what seems to be factual:
1. Love's MRI came back clean.
2. Love practiced yesterday albeit mostly a cautious throwing session to make sure all systems go.
3. The Packers medical staff are one of the most cautious, conservative in the NFL.
So if Love practices full go today and plays Saturday will the next story be "Nevermind"?
croatpackfan
August 24, 2021 at 10:06 am
From stars to dust and back - again and again...
Click bait article Cory.
croatpackfan
August 24, 2021 at 10:09 am
Love looks like HOF compared to Lawrence...
TarynsEyes
August 24, 2021 at 10:30 am
Jacksonville has a really bad O-Line and a small one at that. They can't give protection for a simple three-step drop. Did you watch that game or just looking at the box score?
Coldworld
August 24, 2021 at 10:43 am
Like the one we put out in Loves first game? Actually a good comparative for all but size.
murf7777
August 24, 2021 at 11:22 am
Maybe you failed to see how bad our OL played in the game while Love was in there and all he did is put a QB rating north of 100. Enough said.
TarynsEyes
August 24, 2021 at 11:53 am
I know what I said after the first game as to ceiling and floor between starters and backups, but GBs backups are way better than Jacksonvilles' starters and Houstons' defense is horrible. The Saints' defense is not Houstons'.
CoachDino
August 24, 2021 at 04:36 pm
How can the packers have this huge issue with depth IYO, when IYO the Packers back-ups are "way better" than Jacksonville's Starters?
croatpackfan
August 24, 2021 at 03:39 pm
Unfortunately, I got an attack of masochism and watched the whole match between the Jaguars and the Saints, unlike you.
Also, Jags was playing their starter OL while Lawrence was on the field. He lead Jags to one FG. Minshaw led Jags back ups to one FG and another opportunity for FG, but kicker missed. Two TD was while both team played lowedt ranked players on the roster by his 3rd QB (forgrt the name).
Swisch
August 24, 2021 at 10:24 am
Perhaps Love should demand to not play in the preseason anymore.
Perhaps he should publicly criticize the front office and coaches for putting him at risk in a meaningless game behind an inexperienced offensive line.
Perhaps he should say that he doesn't need the preseason to prove himself or prepare for the regular season.
Perhaps he should say it's stupid for the Packers to risk his considerable talent as a first-round draft pick -- indeed, his entire career -- in such a reckless way.
Perhaps he should follow the pouty and petulant example of his esteemed colleague at QB.
***
Hey, Love gets paid either way. Go ahead and trade him if his bosses don't like it.
He's already had to put up with all the hassles from fans who have been negative before he's had even half a chance to prove himself -- and much of this seemingly because of the childish temper tantrum of the aforementioned esteemed colleague holding out on fans and teammates.
***
It's sad how some fans apparently turn on everyone but Aaron Rodgers for the fiasco of the past few months -- even as Rodgers remains without remorse and seemingly poses as a champion of the players he was ready to abandon.
I'm not giving up on Rodgers, and am still rooting for him as a player and a person.
I'm not going to degrade my dignity, though, by blindly supporting him in all things just because he might get us a championship. I'm not going to sell out as a fan even for a Super Bowl.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 24, 2021 at 07:03 pm
Swish....fantastic comments! Well thought out!
TarynsEyes
August 24, 2021 at 10:29 am
Delete
Since'61
August 24, 2021 at 10:38 am
Love's MRI came back clean. That's the key. If he has an injured shoulder he wouldn't be throwing at all. This is just the Packers being very cautious. However, if Love does not play against Buffalo then we would have a legitimate reason to be concerned.
I think Love will be fine. He needs time and our patience. Manage expectations. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
August 24, 2021 at 10:48 am
Put some duct tape on it.
Since'61
August 24, 2021 at 11:01 am
Works for me. Thanks, Since '61
HawkPacker
August 24, 2021 at 06:19 pm
And black salve!
Charvid
August 24, 2021 at 11:12 am
There is no story here, click bait indeed, and I completely fell for it.
I expect better from CHTV….you are better than this junk.
murf7777
August 24, 2021 at 11:23 am
Cory, your better than this.
LambeauPlain
August 24, 2021 at 11:56 am
Remember when Hunley was the second coming of Bart Star based on a few preseason games? Good times.
HarryHodag
August 24, 2021 at 03:14 pm
Talk about making a mountain out of a mole hill. I suspect if Rodgers gets hurt this season there will be a call to forfeit all of next year's draft to bring Jim McMahon out of retirement.
Love dinged his shoulder. He's going to play this week. As they said on the broadcast last Saturday if it was the playoffs Love would have suited up. Pre-season...pre-season...means next to nothing except for the Packers brass who loves the revenue.
Benkert looked like a good prospect last week. Competition makes everyone a little sharper. That goes for Love and for Aaron Rodgers for that matter. Rodgers had one of his best years last year with Love around.
The Summer of Love is still here and apparently too much time between contests for real news stories.
tincada
August 26, 2021 at 01:18 pm
"Competition makes everyone a little sharper. That goes for Love and for Aaron Rodgers " Ha ha ha, since when has AR had competition?
CoachDino
August 24, 2021 at 04:30 pm
Easy Corey to much coffee this morning? He would of played through it if he was the starter during the season.
I'm with you though on just wanting him to get every snap possible, sure so we could evaluate him, but but really just for development. Can you imagine what he would of done against the Jets with the run game and protection the packers had. heck he had a 100QBR without either.
I don't mean to jinx the squad but AR is bound to get hurt be it for a few snaps or a few games. He needs all the development he can.
PhantomII
August 25, 2021 at 06:06 am
Let's do the obvious first and address what has lost the last 2 NFCC games. Starting level DL and a starting level CB are the weakest links on this team STILL.
NoNonsense
August 25, 2021 at 06:39 am
You ARE the weakest link, goodbye!
WestCoastPackerBacker
August 25, 2021 at 10:32 am
Wow, let's make up some scenarios to write an article . . . this is the pointless type of article I avoid on so many other sites. Not expecting it here.
tincada
August 26, 2021 at 12:59 pm
GB and the 3 horsemen better hope, no pray to god AR doesn't get hurt. Love is far from ready. And next year he isn't going to be any better. Maybe in his 4th year he'll be able to start.