Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Zach Kruse

Matt LaFleur confirms rookie Sean Clifford will be Packers’ backup QB

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated the obvious on Thursday: Rookie Sean Clifford, a fifth-round pick out of Penn State, will be the team’s backup quarterback behind Jordan Love in 2023.

“I think it’s safe to say Sean is our No. 2 quarterback,” LaFleur said. “A lot of it is just his mental makeup. You saw it in the Cincinnati game in terms of his ability to rebound. The game’s not too big for him.”

An offer for Packers fans

For the best local Wisconsin news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Buy Packers Tickets

LaFleur said Clifford has been “calm, cool and collected” in tough situations, especially recent two-minute drills in games and practice. Last week, the rookie quarterback led a drive for a field goal before the half against the New England Patriots.

Overall, Clifford has completed 33 of 45 passes for 345 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions during two preseason games.

The only question now is the Packers’ No. 3 quarterback, which will likely be stashed on the practice squad to start 2023. Alex McGough is the only other quarterback on the roster, but he was a late addition this offseason after winnng MVP of the USFL and has played a limited number of snaps in preseason games. Clifford has handled almost all the snaps behind Love during the exhibition schedule.

LaFleur said it was “extremely difficult” situation for McGough, who signed in late July and jumped right into installs of the offense without the benefit of the offseason workout program.

“He’s worked extremely hard and done a really nice job of picking it up. He hasn’t gotten as many reps as we’d like to give him,” LaFleur said.

LaFleur said the Packers needed to give Clifford the reps as a rookie learning the NFL game.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.