Jordan Love’s afternoon at Soldier Field came to a sudden and concerning halt after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Bears defensive end Austin Booker forced the Packers quarterback out of Saturday’s game in the second quarter.
The play drew an immediate 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer, and while the flag was clear, the bigger concern was Love’s health. He stayed down briefly before jogging off under his own power and heading straight into the blue medical tent. Moments later, he was seen walking back to the locker room-helmet off, his return in doubt.
By the start of the second half, the Packers officially ruled Love out with a concussion, meaning he’ll now enter the league’s concussion protocol. That puts his availability for upcoming games in serious question, depending on how he progresses through the NFL’s return-to-play steps.
Malik Willis stepped in under center following Love’s exit, taking over the offense in a game that already had plenty of weight behind it. Packers-Bears always brings the heat, and this one was no different-physical, emotional, and now, potentially costly for Green Bay.
This marks the second straight year that Love has exited a game against the Bears due to injury. In last season’s finale, it was an elbow issue that sidelined him. Now it’s a head injury, and the timing couldn’t be worse for a Packers team that’s been trying to find rhythm late in the season.
As the team awaits further evaluation and monitoring, all eyes will be on Love’s recovery timeline. For a young quarterback who’s shown real flashes this season, staying on the field has become just as important as what he does on it.