Packers Open 2026 Preseason With Love Spotlight

The Green Bay Packers open their 2026 preseason against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Jordan Love expected to play, though his snaps remain fluid as coach Matt LaFleur prioritizes game-ready execution. Love will target his young receivers Matthew Golden and Jayden Reed, who have returned to practice and showed early chemistry, while LaFleur emphasizes refining pre-snap and in-game decisions. LaFleur has publicly praised Love’s development, highlighting his poise, protections, and the influence of Aaron Rodgers on his growth, even acknowledging the potential for backlash from Rodgers' supporters. The coaching staff plans an aggressive preseason approach, starting the first-team offense to build rhythm before Week 1 and to test execution under live-game pressure. The matchup carries extra drama with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy now leading the Steelers, a storyline LaFleur has treated with respect. Green Bay is aiming to translate last season’s 9-7-1 record into a more consistent 2026 campaign, with Love's continued development and a improving offense as pivotal factors in reaching the playoffs.