The short-term standing of Jordan Love continues to hang in the balance given the uncertainty surrounding Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Love, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract with time ticking down before the Packers need to make a decision on his fifth-year option. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday morning, and while he revealed Green Bay remains in the dark about Rodgers' decision, he expressed optimism in Love.
"I think he's ready to play, and I think he's ready to be an NFL starting quarterback," Gutekunst told reporters, per USA Today Sports. "He's worked really hard, he's shown a lot of progression.
"I think the next step in his progression is to play."
Unlike Rodgers, Gutekunst noted how he has been in constant communication with Love and his representatives this offseason. Gutekunst shared that he hasn't had any in-person communication with Rodgers since Green Bay's season ended in January, one win shy of the NFL playoffs.
"We need to have those conversations," Gutekunst said in reference to meeting with Rodgers. "We want what's best for the Green Bay Packers, what's best for him so we'll get to that coming up."
Love has appeared in 10 games with one start since being a first-round pick. He's completed 60.2% of his passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
"I think it takes most of these quarterbacks a lot of time to learn how to win, you know, and it's one thing to play well and make throws and make plays but then it's another thing to lead your team to wins," Gutekunst told reporters, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "And I think that takes time."
But if Rodgers wants outs via trade or retirement, the organization hopes to have the decision by March 15, the Packers seemingly are content with the former first-rounder behind center.
"I'm excited to see Jordan grow and play and I certainly expect that to be here," Gutekunst said.
