More clarity arrived Saturday on Jordan Love’s playing status for Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The Green Bay Packers downgraded Love — who is dealing with a knee injury — to doubtful on the injury report, and elevated quarterback Sean Clifford from the practice squad.
Assuming Love is inactive and doesn’t play, Clifford will be the backup quarterback behind starter Malik Willis on Sunday against the Colts.
The Packers originally listed Love as questionable to play, keeping open the door to starting against the Colts. His downgrade to doubtful likely means Love won’t play — no player listed as doubtful by the Packers played in the game last season.
It’s possible the Packers wanted to give Love extra time for healing before making a decision on his playing status, or the team was simply posturing for the Colts.
Clifford, a 2023 fifth-round pick, backed up Love last season. He appeared to two games, throwing one pass — a 37-yard completion to Bo Melton — and kneeling down three times.
Last week, the Packers elevated running back Ellis Merriweather from the practice squad. Clifford was the only elevation for Week 2.