Jordan Love cleared concussion protocol, but Clayton Tune will start for Packers vs. Vikings

GREEN BAY – Jordan Love has cleared concussion protocol, but he will not play this week in the Green Bay Packers’ regular-season finale at the Minnesota Vikings.

Clayton Tune instead will start for the Packers. A fifth-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals out of Houston in 2023, Tune signed to the Packers practice squad in late August. He was signed to the Packers’ 53-man roster Dec. 31.

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Coach Matt LaFleur said he’s currently working through the backup quarterback situation behind Tune. He left open the possibility of Love playing if Tune were to be injured, but he made clear it’s unlikely he’ll see the field in Minnesota.

“The intent, I would say, is not to play him,” LaFleur said.

Love’s absence in Minnesota means he will have missed the past two and a half games before starting in the Packers’ wild-card playoff matchup at either Chicago or Philadelphia, depending on outcomes in their games this week.

Love exited the Packers’ Dec. 20 loss in Chicago with a concussion in the second quarter. He was a full participant in practice Dec. 31, his first time practicing without limitations since the concussion. LaFleur said he is scripting practice periods with the Packers starters on offense and defense taking reps against each other, a way to keep them sharp for the postseason.

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It's likely the Packers will shut down key starters for Week 18 with Love being kept out. LaFleur said top backup quarterback Malik Willis’ status for Minnesota is uncertain because of a hamstring injury, leading to Tune’s second career start.

Tune’s first career start came while he was a rookie with Arizona in 2023. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 58 yards and two interceptions in a 27-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 5 of that season.

“I think he’s a guy that’s shown some pretty good promise in terms of what we’ve seen,” LaFleur said. “So what an opportunity for him. I think he’s started one other game in his career, I want to say. So it’s just going to be a great opportunity. It’s going to be great for everybody to see what he can go out there and do.”

This article originally appeared on Packers News: Jordan Love cleared, Clayton Tune will start for Packers vs Vikings