NFL quarterback gives team huge boost ahead of blockbuster Sunday game

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love may not have to sit out of another game with injury after all, as he stated Wednesday he sees a 'realistic' chance to play this weekend against the Lions. 

Love suffered a groin injury during the third quarter of last week's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and did not play a snap in Florida after the setback occurred. 

Love's optimism comes as a surprise to many, as he was not a participant in Wednesday's practice. 

'I think it's realistic,' Love said. 'Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game. Like I said, things happen, if that's the scenario, I know I'll be fine. But definitely it's not the ideal scenario for going into a big week.'

Should Love not be able to play, Malik Willis will start in his place, as he did during the past two instances where the Packers No 1 quarterback has been sidelined.  

During Week 1, Love suffered a sprained MCL during the Packers' game in Brazil against the Eagles. 

The former first-round pick did not return to the field until Week 4, with Willis leading Green Bay to two victories in Love's absence. 

The Packers enter Sunday's game against the Lions on a 4-game win streak, while Detroit current sits as the top team in the NFC at 6-1. 

In the first of two crucial NFC North games between the teams this season, Love's impact will be integral to the final result if he is healthy enough to play. 

The Lions-Packers clash is one of the most important games of the year thus far, as the NFL reaches the halfway point of the regular season. 

Every team in the NFC North currently has a winning record, making each division game more important than usual for playoff positioning. 

The Packers will no doubt feel more confident heading into that matchup with Love healthy.