Packers QB Jordan Love “is expected to play Sunday against the Vikings” after suffering an MCL sprain in Week 1

One of the highest-paid players this NFL season will return to action on Sunday against a division rival.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has been practicing all week and is inching closer to returning to the starting job he ceded to Malik Willis because of a left knee sprain in Week 1.

Now NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the second-year starter is expected to return to the lineup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Love was limited in practice Friday and continues to wear a brace on his left knee. He was officially listed as questionable on the week’s final injury report.

“I think every time he’s out there it’s encouraging. “But we’ll see,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Friday.

With Love sidelined, Willis led the Packers to consecutive victories by completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 324 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Willis also averages 9.5 yards per carry and rushes for 114 yards on 12 carries.

The Vikings, who visit Green Bay on Sunday, have spent the week preparing for both quarterbacks, defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. He praised LaFleur effusively and said the Green Bay program adopted for Willis appeared to be a completely different offense.

“I don’t think there’s enough talk about what’s going on there with Malik Willis,” Flores said. “It’s impressive to see.”

Minnesota (3-0) has given up a total of 30 points in the first three games of the season and leads the NFL with 16 sacks.

Love said he felt like he was “close” to being ready to start last week in Tennessee. In his last start against the Vikings, he had four total touchdowns, including one on the ground.

“I’m trying to push it forward and I tried to come back as quickly as possible no matter who the opponent was,” Love said.

Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is expected to take over for Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson on Sunday, does not appear certain to play this week because of a quad issue. While the Packers spent most of Friday’s practice outside, Alexander stayed inside. Alexander was listed as questionable on Friday.

“It’s definitely a concern. “Any time a guy isn’t working out, it’s a cause for concern,” LaFleur said.

Packers offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (shoulder) is out.