The Green Bay Packers have opted not to place quarterback Jordan Love on injured reserve, signaling optimism about his recovery from a left knee injury. While Love is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, the team plans to start Malik Willis, who was recently acquired from the Tennessee Titans, in their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. Willis joined the Packers just 20 days ago after Green Bay traded a seventh-round pick for him.
Willis served as Love’s backup during the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. He played the final two snaps after Love suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee with just six seconds remaining in the Packers’ 34-29 loss. Willis completed an incompletion and took a sack before the game ended.
Green Bay’s only other quarterback is Sean Clifford, who was Love’s backup last season but is currently on the practice squad. The team could elevate Clifford for the game if needed, but Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Willis would start if Love isn’t cleared to play. LaFleur explained that Willis, as the second-string quarterback on the roster, is the natural choice to start over Clifford.
LaFleur also dismissed the idea of signing a veteran quarterback, expressing confidence in Willis despite his limited experience. Willis, who was drafted in the third round by the Titans in 2022, made three starts as a rookie, finishing with a 1-2 record. In the lone win against the Houston Texans, he threw just 10 passes, completing six for 55 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. During his three starts, Willis struggled in the passing game, completing only 25 of 49 passes for 234 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown across those games.
Despite these underwhelming statistics, LaFleur praised Willis’ work ethic since joining the Packers. He noted that Willis has diligently learned the team’s playbook and terminology, and he believes that with a full week of preparation, Willis will perform at a high level against the Colts.
Although Love hasn’t been officially ruled out for the game, his return is unlikely. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Love’s recovery timeline is estimated to be three to four weeks. After the Colts, the Packers face the Titans and the Minnesota Vikings. If Love misses all these games, he could return for the October 6 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Had the team placed Love on injured reserve, he would have been forced to miss at least four games.
LaFleur emphasized that the Packers will not rush Love’s return, stating that they will only clear him to play if he is fully capable of protecting himself on the field. Love, who signed a four-year, $220 million contract extension during training camp, has been working hard on his recovery, though he did not address the media after the game in Brazil.
In the meantime, the Packers remain focused on preparing Willis to lead the offense while Love continues his recovery.