Jordan Love damage replace: Packers QB not medically cleared to play, per report; Malik Willis in line to begin

The Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback room was turned on its head out of the gate as a result of knee damage Jordan Love suffered within the opener. Whereas the membership held out some hope by itemizing the signal-caller as questionable for Sunday’s Week 2 matchup in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts, The Athletic reports that Love has not been medically cleared to play. 

“That is not taking place,” a supply advised The Athletic because it pertains to Love enjoying in Week 2. 

Head coach Matt LaFleur famous that Love won’t be positioned on injured reserve, as he recovers from the reported sprained MCL that’s anticipated to sideline him 3-6 weeks. This newest report provides that it is also an extended shot for Like to swimsuit up in Week 3 in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. A extra optimistic timetable for Love is a potential return in Week 4 when the membership faces the Vikings. At any time when he does return, Love is predicted to put on a knee brace.  

This now results in Malik Willis getting the beginning in Week 2 because the membership opens up Lambeau Subject for the 2024 season. Behind him, Sean Clifford is slated to be the backup. Willis’ regular-season debut for the Green Bay Packers got here earlier than simply about anybody anticipated. The quarterback entered within the closing seconds of Friday night time’s Week 1 showdown in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles after Love went down.

Willis was unable to steer the Packers to victory on Friday night time, as Inexperienced Bay was on the incorrect facet of a 34-29 closing rating, however he could get one other likelihood subsequent week. 

As he nears his first begin with Inexperienced Bay, listed below are 5 quick details about Willis. 

New Packer on the town 

Willis has been with the workforce for simply a few weeks. On Aug. 26, he was traded from the Titans to the Packers for a seventh-round decide within the 2025 NFL Draft. Willis grew to become the odd man out in Nashville after the Titans elected to go along with former Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph as Will Levis‘ main backup. 

In the course of the preseason with the Titans, Willis went 20 of 27 (a 74.1 completion proportion) for 205 yards with two touchdowns and a decide. Whereas these numbers have been much like those Rudolph and Levis compiled, his 5 sacks stood out as Rudolph was sacked simply as soon as and Levis was not sacked. Willis did lead the Titans in dashing 101 yards on 11 carries that included a 28-yard run. 

Seldomly utilized in 2024 

Willis largely discovered himself on the bench throughout his closing yr with the Titans, as he spent the yr as Levis’ backup. He appeared in simply three video games, and his solely cross makes an attempt passed off throughout a Week 6 loss to Baltimore. Willis went 4 of 5 for 74 yards in that sport. He was sacked 4 occasions and ran for 17 yards on three carries. 

A quick rookie starter 

Willis made three begins as a rookie in 2022. The Titans went 1-2 in these video games as Willis struggled along with his accuracy. He additionally continued to take sacks at an alarming price. 

That season, Willis accomplished 50.8% of his throws, with no touchdowns and three picks. He was additionally sacked 10 occasions. He did have success on the bottom, although, with 123 yards and a landing on 27 carries. However that season confirmed that Willis’ sport wanted extra work. 

Not the perfect state of affairs 

Willis’ arrival in Nashville wasn’t welcomed with open arms by then-Titans beginning quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who didn’t appear overly eager to assist his younger teammate. Whereas Tannehill was proper when he stated it wasn’t his job to mentor Willis, it is secure to say that Willis would have benefitted from having a veteran quarterback who was extra open to serving to him. 

Prolific faculty QB

Willis loved a extremely profitable finish to his faculty profession after transferring from Auburn to Liberty. Throughout his two years because the Flames’ beginning quarterback, Willis threw 47 touchdowns in opposition to 18 picks whereas finishing 62.4% of his passes. He was particularly harmful on the bottom with 1,822 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 5.4 yards-per-carry common. 

Like the opposite high quarterbacks in that yr’s draft, there have been huge opinions on Willis’ potential as an NFL participant previous to the draft. Many felt that, whereas he had simple athletic skill, Willis would possible battle to adapt the the velocity and expertise degree of NFL defenses. His underwhelming completion proportion in faculty was usually highlighted by his detractors. 

At this level, these pre-draft evaluations of Willis have come to fruition. Whereas he has potential, Willis has struggled to have success throwing the ball and avoiding stress in opposition to beginning NFL defenses. However a great state of affairs can go a good distance for a younger quarterback, and Willis has that in Inexperienced Bay with head coach Matt LaFleur and an offense that isn’t devoid of expertise.