Packers coach Matt LaFleur names Sean Clifford as Jordan Love's backup

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced on Thursday that quarterback Sean Clifford will serve as the team’s backup behind starter Jordan Love. Clifford was battling for the position with former FIU quarterback Alex McGough.

The former fifth-round pick out of Penn State has 345 passing yards, two interceptions and one touchdown so far this preseason for the Packers. In his most recent outing, a loss versus the Patriots, he went 13-for-19 with 137 yards.

Clifford struggled initially in his NFL debut versus the Cincinnati Bengals, throwing a pick-six to Tycen Anderson. He also threw another interception to Anderson later in the game. But he rebounded nicely in the second quarter, making a nice run, then tossing a six-yard touchdown toss to Tyler Davis right before halftime, to give the Packers the lead.

The 6-foot-2, 218-pound QB went No. 149 overall to Green Bay in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Although Clifford is now officially QB2, the Packers still plan to start Jordan Love in the final preseason game.

According to LaFleur, Love will suit up for the Packers showdown with the Seahawks next weekend.

“Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur answered questions from the media on Sunday afternoon following Saturday night’s preseason contest with the New England Patriots,” wrote Zach Kruse of Packers Wire. “LaFleur confirmed quarterback Jordan Love will play in the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks.

“Love has started each of the Packers’ two preseason games and will now get one more on-field appearance before LaFleur’s team goes to Chicago for Week 1.”

Clifford solidifies role for Green Bay

During his Penn State career, Clifford finished with 10,661 yards, 86 touchdowns, 31 interceptions and a 61.4% completion percentage. He added 1,073 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

He hung up his cleats there with several school records, including total passing yardage, passing touchdowns (86), and pass attempts (1,356). Clifford also owns the most wins as a starting quarterback for Penn State (32).

He wrapped up his career for the Nittany Lions ranking second all-time in program history in touchdowns responsible for (100).

As a member of the Class of 2017, Clifford was a four-star recruit out of Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, the No. 12 quarterback in the class and the No. 183 overall prospect in the class.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this article.