Jordan Love won't practice without deal, but Packers optimistic - ESPN

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers and Jordan Love may be nearing an agreement on a contract extension, but until it's done, the starting quarterback won't participate in practice or any games this preseason.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday shortly before the team's first practice of training camp that Love's representatives informed him Saturday night of their plans before a deal gets done.

«We completely understand where he's coming from,» Gutekunst said.

Love did report for training camp on time and take part in meetings and other training camp activities except for practice. Previously, Love took part in the entire offseason program and the team's mandatory minicamp in June to fulfill requirements for a $500,000 workout bonus.

When asked whether an extension could get done within a few days, Gutekunst said: «Yeah, I think so, but again, you never know. We're working really hard to get that done. At the same time, the thing I have confidence in is we both want the same thing.»

The Packers have no immediate plans to add another quarterback. Coach Matt LaFleur said second-year pro Sean Clifford will handle the first snaps with the starters, but the reps will be split 50-50 between Clifford and rookie Michael Pratt. LaFleur said former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion, who was hired as an assistant coach this offseason, will help with throws during drill work.

When asked how long they can sustain that without adding a third quarterback, LaFleur said: «That's a great question. Obviously we're hopeful we'll get something done here in the next… sooner than later. But that's something that we're going to have to just adjust on the fly.»

LaFleur said he was not immediately worried about Love and the offense losing