Packers adjust practice to ease Love back from left-thumb surgery

The Green Bay Packers are adjusting their practice plan to help quarterback Jordan Love return from left-thumb ligament surgery, integrating 7-on-7 drills for this week to balance his rehabilitation with team needs. The move comes as the club eyes a joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday and a final preseason game on Saturday, with Love not expected to participate fully in those sessions but anticipated to be back to full speed well before Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.

Love underwent surgery last week on a nonthrowing hand ligament and is being eased back into throwing activities. The coaching staff decided to mix in non-padded passing work at times to keep his rhythm without risking the healing ligament. The approach represents a departure from the Packers’ typical practice plan, but coach Matt LaFleur said the team will “alter some things to allow him to get involved,” noting that a structured 7-on-7 period, though not his favorite drill, can serve an important purpose in timing and collaboration with his receivers.

LaFleur stressed that the objective is to help Love regain a feel for live throwing without exposing him to unnecessary contact or strain. “I...