With Josh Jacobs sidelined indefinitely after landing on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, the Green Bay Packers suddenly face a major void in the backfield. That puts added pressure on Jordan Love to carry more of the offense and keep the unit productive without one of its most important playmakers.
The Packers have enough depth at running back to soften the blow of Jacobs’ absence, but that does not mean the offense can simply carry on as usual. MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson give Matt LaFleur several options in the backfield, yet Love could still become the centerpiece of the attack. If Green Bay wants to get off to a strong start and assess its roster before the trade deadline, Love may need to lean into the passing game and establish himself as one of the NFC’s premier quarterbacks.
“I expect this offense to replace Matt LaFleur with Jordan Love as the face of the offense.”
—@Hawk on what to expect from Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers. pic.twitter.com/2lbFsuUlZv
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 1, 2026
While appearing on ESPN’s NFL Live, former NFL receiver Andrew Hawkins offered a bold assessment of Jordan Love’s outlook for the 2026 season. Hawkins believes the Packers quarterback has reached the point where he must take full control of the offense and establish himself as the centerpiece of Green Bay’s next era.
Jordan Love as the face of the Green Bay Packers offense
“Yeah, I expect this offense to replace Matt LaFleur with Jordan Love as the face of the offense. And that goes from a nice-to-have to a necessity. Now, Jordan Love has gotten better every season. He’s been the starter in Green Bay, in my opinion,” commented the NFL analyst.
Love has reached a pivotal point in his Packers career. Since taking over as Green Bay’s starter, he has guided the team to nine regular season wins in each of the past three seasons, yet the postseason results have not matched that consistency. With only one playoff victory since 2023, Love now faces greater pressure to elevate the offense. His passing production also leaves room for growth, as he has surpassed 3,400 yards only once in his career.
“Well, now is the time for Jordan Love to kind of ascend into that position. You’re going to have to lean on his arm. And it might be the only way that that was going to happen.” Hawkins added.
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