Green Bay Packers fans’ hearts sank when general manager Brian Gutekunst unpromptedly opened his media availability on August 12 by announcing Jordan Love’s thumb surgery. Fortunately, the team’s franchise quarterback hurt his non-throwing (left) hand, and it was ostensibly a “little procedure” as advertised. But can this officially be considered a non-issue as we rapidly approach the upcoming NFL campaign?

Love seems to believe his latest injury is a thing of the past, or at least that’s what he’s telling himself. The 26-year-old told reporters the plan is to go into Green Bay’s 2025 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions with no holds barred. That’s equally spectacular news as it is terrifying if you’re a member of the Packers faithful.

“I’m going to go in with the mindset to just play it how I would play it if I wasn’t dealing with the thumb injury,” said Love (h/t Kyle Malzhan of WFRV Local 5). “I’m going to be playing it true to how I would’ve if nothing happened.”

Jordan Love gives Packers fans the best possible injury update ahead of Week 1

As the saying goes, “Scared money don’t make money.” Love is apparently embracing that mantra ahead of a massive Week 1 showdown with the Lions. He knows what’s at stake against their division rival and two-time defending NFC North champions; this is an early statement opportunity for the Packers.

Just days before going under the knife, Love voiced a desire to use his legs more in 2025 (h/t Matt Schneidman of The Athletic). Notably, Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich emphatically echoed those sentiments, suggesting it was in the cards. Whether they honor that strategy will be the litmus test for the gunslinger’s most recent comments.

As Packers supporters know, Love has dealt with several ailments since becoming the squad’s full-time starter in 2023. Only last season, he missed time due to a sprained MCL, a pulled groin, and a sprained right elbow. It’s presumably why Green Bay is safeguarding his backup, Malik Willis, who commendably kept the ship afloat in 2024 when called upon.

The Packers will go as far as Love can take them, so his health is the utmost priority. Hopefully, he can legitimately operate without restrictions or suffering any setbacks. Perhaps Green Bay will protect the 2020 first-round pick from himself by leaning on Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs, as they did last year.