The Packers haven't seen nearly as much of Jordan Love as they'd probably like this summer. Green Bay's starting quarterback hurt his thumb in the very first preseason game of the year, and wound up getting surgery to correct the issue. Fortunately for Love and his team, it was thumb surgery on his non-throwing hand, so it took no time at all for the signal-caller to return to training camp in some fashion. Love hasn't been a full participant since the surgery, but took snaps on Thursday—the furthest sign of his progress yet.

Speaking to Kay Adams after practice about the situation, Love described how he was able to get back to football activity as quickly as he did, and addressed his status for the Packers' Week 1 clash with the Lions scheduled for September 7.

"I think just because of the hand it's on, being on my left hand, is the reason I'm able to get back," Love said. "I think if it was my right hand it'd be a totally different story... It feels fine. It's one of those things where we're trying to avoid any contact to it right now. A little limited in what I can actually do. Still able to get 7-on-7 reps and do 1-on-1s with the receivers. Still staying active and doing things and just trying to avoid any contact and let it heal."

When asked if he thought he'd be 100% for the regular season opener, Love was firm in his belief he'd be ready.

"We'll be good. We're rolling Week 1, for sure."

Love was expected to be ready for the season opener even after undergoing surgery, but to hear him say it is obviously great news for the team. Head coach Matt LeFleur has proven to be a very talented play-caller, but would obviously prefer to have Love under center instead of his backup, Malik Willis.

Last year Love threw for 3,389 yards with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games, missing two contests early on due to injury. He was able to lead the Packers to the playoffs, but he and his Green Bay teammates were beaten down by the eventual champion Eagles in the wild-card round of the postseason.

Hopes are high for a better year in 2025. Love's preseason injury and subsequent surgery wasn't a great start on that front, but the man himself seems unconcerned about any lingering issues as regular season football nears.

More NFL on Sports Illustrated


This article was originally published on www.si.com as Packers' Jordan Love Addresses Status for Season Opener After Thumb Surgery.