Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers will be back on the field on Saturday, January 10, for the team’s wild-card game against the Chicago Bears, and it marks his first time playing since suffering a concussion in the Bears-Packers game in Week 16.
Back in Week 16, on December 20, during in the second quarter of the game, Love clocked a helmet-to-helmet hit from Chicago defensive end Austin Booker, who given a flag for roughing the passer. He’s been out with a concussion ever since, but he’ll return for the wild-card showdown.
So, does Love feel rusty after being away for not one, not two but three weeks? Love was asked that by a reporter on Wednesday, January 7, and his response is a message to the Chicago Bears.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love Talks Before Chicago Bears Game
When asked if he’s worried about being off for so much time before the Bears playoff game, Love didn’t hesitate with his answer. He was unequivocal, too.
“No,” Love simply said. “I don’t have any concerns about that.”
Love elaborated on how little he’s worried about missing time. He also said that he’s been practicing to get ready for the matchup.
“I don’t think it’s hard at all. When you’re practicing throughout the week, you still stay fresh,” Love added. “You’re missing some time playing in the game, but we played a lot of games this season. You’ve got banked reps.”
This game marks Love’s fourth career playoff start and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams‘ first.
It just always comes down to taking care of the ball, playing your best as a quarterback, and then putting the team in the best position,” he added.
One Chance to Go All the Way for the Chicago Bears
The Bears have one chance to go all the way for the 2025-26 season. The Bears are in the NFL playoffs in their first year with new head coach Ben Johnson, and they’re only two games away from a championship appearance.
Following the team’s win over the Packers in Week 16, Williams told reporters, “I got the best coach in the world, let’s put it that way.”
“We have the best coaching staff in the world. So, you put the talent with the coaches and the people that care, you can strive for anything, you can reach anything, you can go after any goal,” Williams added. “And when you go out there on that football field, your belief is at an all-time high between players, between coaches, and you have outcomes like this.”
Williams finished the team’s game against the Packers in Week 16 with 19 of 34 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns and rushing for 30 yards on three carries, according to NFL research.
After the NFL’s wild-card weekend, the divisional round begins on January 17. There, the NFL will host two games, one at 4:30 p.m. and the other at 8:15 p.m. On January 18, games will take place at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The AFC Championship is set for January 25 at 3 p.m., and the NFC Championship is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Super Bowl is set for February 8 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC.
Packers QB Jordan Love Sends Message to Bears Before Playoffs