Packers news: Jordan Love's starting LG for Week 1 comes with 1 big injury caveat

Packers news: Jordan Love’s starting LG for Week 1 comes with 1 big injury caveat appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Green Bay Packers have identified Aaron Banks as Jordan Love‘s starting left guard for Week 1, provided his injured knee allows him to play. Banks will be limited in Wednesday’s practice after a knee issue cost him substantial work during training camp and the preseason.

His availability remains important for a Packers offensive line preparing to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Green Bay signed Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract in 2025, but his extended absence created opportunities for rookie Jager Burton to work with the first-team offense.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported on X, formerly Twitter, that Packers coach Matt LaFleur made the team’s preference at left guard clear while providing an update on Banks’ status.

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

“If he’s able to go, he’s the starting left guard.”

LaFleur’s declaration provides clarity after the Packers remained noncommittal earlier in the week about Banks’ role. However, whether the veteran can handle a full workload against Minnesota remains unresolved.

Banks dealt with knee tendinitis during the 2025 season and has missed significant team work this summer because of another knee issue. Burton has taken many first-team snaps at left guard during his absence, giving Green Bay an alternative if Banks cannot play.

The Packers are also monitoring starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, who will participate on a limited basis Wednesday. Bako-Bewele continues working back from offseason surgery to repair a partially torn patellar tendon suffered in December.

If both veterans play, the Packers will start Jordan Morgan at left tackle, Banks at left guard, Sean Rhyan at center, Jacob Monk at right guard, and Bako-Bewele at right tackle.

Their availability carries additional importance against a Vikings defense coordinated by Brian Flores and known for aggressive pressure packages. Protecting Love will be a priority in the road opener at U.S. Bank Stadium.

For now, Banks remains Green Bay’s preferred starter at left guard, but his health will determine whether he takes that role against Minnesota.

Related: Matt LaFleur sends warning about ex-Packers star Aaron Jones ahead of Vikings showdown

Related: Packers’ Matt LaFleur puts reporter on spot over ‘confusing’ Jordan Love question