The Green Bay Packers have secured a playoff spot with two games still remaining in the regular season.
While their final seeding is still up in the air, a Christmas Day loss by the Detroit Lions ensured the Packers’ place in the postseason. After the Lions fell to the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay no longer needed any additional results to guarantee their playoff berth.
This news comes as quarterback Jordan Love is sidelined due to concussion protocol following the Packers’ Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Although Love participated in limited practice sessions this week, he was declared out for the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, giving him extra time to recover.
Backup quarterback Malik Willis has stepped in as a result, but the Lions’ defeat has effectively given Love more time to heal before the playoffs begin.
Extra Recovery Time is Key for Love
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur described Love’s situation as “delicate,” noting that concussion recovery can be unpredictable.
“We’ve seen it with certain players—they may feel fine one day and struggle the next,” LaFleur said, emphasizing the variability in symptoms and recovery. With the playoffs already secured, Green Bay has the flexibility to allow Love to progress through protocol without rushing him.
The fact that Love was able to practice in a limited capacity is promising, but additional recovery time will help him overcome any lingering issues. Meanwhile, Willis has shown he can competently manage the team in Love’s absence.
If Love is cleared for Week 18, he’ll have the opportunity to get some game reps before the postseason, which is preferable to entering the playoffs cold. Heading into the postseason healthy is the priority, and the timing of the Lions’ loss has given the Packers a rare advantage in that regard.
Sweeping the Lions this season was already significant for Green Bay, and with their division rivals stumbling, the Packers not only punched their playoff ticket but also afforded Love some much-needed rest.
