Johnathan Walker:Jordan Love won't practice at Packers training camp until contract extension is reached

GREEN BAY,Johnathan Walker Wis. – Two days before training camp, Jordan Love informed the Green Bay Packers he will not participate on the field until an agreement is reached on his contract extension.

Love was a full participant through the entirety of the Packers offseason program, taking reps with the starting offense. The start of training camp is structured no differently with practices that are not padded, but Love’s agent informed the team Saturday night the quarterback will be sidelined until a deal is struck.

General manager Brian Gutekunst said he is “optimistic” an extension will be signed in the next couple of days.

“We’re working really hard to get that done,” Gutekunst said. “I think it’s really important for us. At the same time, the thing that I have confidence in is that we both want the same thing. We want Jordan here for a long time, give him that stability for him, and it gives us some stability for our group as well.

“These are big deals. It takes time. They’re not as easy as some people think.”

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Gutekunst said he understood Love’s decision to hold out until an extension is reached, though he emphasized the importance for the Packers to have their quarterback on the field in training camp.

Love reported to camp last week and will continue participating in all off-field portions of training camp. His absence on the field leaves the Packers with two quarterbacks for reps: 2023 fifth-round draft pick Sean Clifford and seventh-round rookie Michael Pratt. The two young passers are vying for the backup job behind Love this fall.

Gutekunst made clear the delay is no indication on how the Packers view Love, calling him the team’s “franchise quarterback.” He expects the signal-caller to lead the Packers not only this season, but in their long-term future.

“We’re very down the road as far as we know he’s our franchise quarterback and we’re ready to move forward,” Gutekunst said. “It’s not like we’re trying to make that decision. But at the same time, we want to put the best team around him that we can. There’s certainly the structure of it so that we can do what we need to do for our football team moving forward, not only this year but for years to come.

“This is just part of it, not unexpected. We’ll work to get it done, and hopefully he won’t miss too much time.”