GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Packers quarterback Jordan Love will not take part in any training camp practices until he and the team agree on a contract extension, Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday.
Gutekunst said the Packers and Love's agents are "close" on a new deal, but until it is finalized and signed, Love will not be on the practice field.
"This is something we're all working on and we certainly understand where he's coming from," Gutekunst said. "We'd like him to be out there. It's important for him to be out there working with his teammates, but as of now - until we get that resolved - he will not be practicing."
Gutekunst said Love reported for training camp and is taking part in meetings, but will not practice due to injury risks. Love was on the practice field in street clothes for the duration of Monday's practice.
Love has one year remaining on his current contract and is set to make $11 million in 2024, well below market value for a proven starting quarterback.
Gutekunst added that he is confident an extension is coming.
"I think its really important for us," he said. "The thing that I have confidence in is that we both want the same thing. We want Jordan here for a long time. It gives stability for him and it gives us some stability for our group as well."
"I'm optimistic," Gutekunst added. "These are big deals. It takes time."
In the meantime, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he wants the rest of his team to focus on improving while they wait for Love to return to the practice field.
"If we keep it focused on that and not allow it to become a distraction, I think that's imperative," LaFleur said.
LaFleur added that he's not concerned that Love's preparation for the season will take a hit due to the lack of practice reps.
"That's part of our game and part of our business," LaFleur said. "We're confident that he'll be out there sooner than later and I know how he prepares so I'm not overly concerned about that. He's going to do everything he can to get the mental reps."
Depending how long it takes to get Love's contract done, Gutekunst the Packers may consider bringing in an additional quarterback for training camp. With Love out, the team is down to two QBs: second-year backup Sean Clifford and rookie seventh round pick Michael Pratt.
Teams typically carry at least three quarterbacks during training camp. Pratt acknowledged his arm got a bit sore during the team's "routes on air" drill early on in Monday's practice.
"Jordan's presence is still felt amongst everybody in the locker room," Pratt later said. "He's been here for the meetings. He's been here for the walk-throughs and all that kind of stuff."
"We would love to have 10 out there. At the end of the day he's our leader," Clifford added. "I 100% will continue to take advantage of (the extra reps) and whenever he's back I'm excited for him to be back as well."
Love did not address the media on Monday.
