Bortles previously spent part of the summer with the Packers just in case Rodgers decided not to show up for training camp. When Rodgers reported to the team in late July, though, the team decided to release Bortles.
With Rodgers out for at least one week, the team needed a backup for Love as he prepares to make his first career start in Kansas City. Speaking to the media Thursday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Bortles having some familiarity with the system was a contributing factor in bringing him back.
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While Bortles is being signed to the practice squad, ESPN and other sources are reporting the expectation is Bortles will be signed to the active roster for Sunday’s game.
LaFleur said he’s confident in Love, despite having to go into one of the league’s toughest stadiums for opposing teams in his first career start.
“We had a whole offseason with him, we had all of training camp, we got to see him play in those preseason games, so we definitely have a much better feel for what we feel confident that he’s going to be able to go out there and have a comfort level with and be able to execute,” LaFleur said Thursday.
LaFleur also said he expects Rodgers will contact Love and mentor him remotely ahead of Sunday’s game. He also says he’s been stressing that Love will not have to do it all himself against the Chiefs.
“It’s not just him, he’s out there with 10 other guys,” LaFleur said, stressing everyone will need to do their part while Rodgers is out.
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