Packers Quarterback Situation Uncertain Ahead of Crucial Matchup vs. Ravens
As the Packers prepare for a pivotal Saturday night showdown against the Ravens, the quarterback room is walking a tightrope. Both Jordan Love and Malik Willis are on the injury report, and while one is still in concussion protocol, the other is trying to play through a shoulder issue. Not exactly the kind of December drama Green Bay was hoping for - but it’s the reality they’re facing as the playoff race tightens.
Let’s start with Jordan Love. He exited last week’s game in Chicago after taking a hit that landed him in concussion protocol.
That opened the door for Malik Willis, who stepped in and gave the Packers a fighting chance - until injuries caught up with him too. Willis banged up his right shoulder during the game, but with no other quarterbacks available, he powered through.
“I try to take it one day at a time, but I would assume that I’m going to be ready,” Willis said Tuesday, giving a nod to the adrenaline that carried him through the second half in Chicago.
And to his credit, Willis looked sharp in relief. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, and added 44 yards on the ground on 10 carries.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient - and it gave the Packers a 10-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for Green Bay, that lead didn’t hold.
The Bears clawed back and handed the Packers a 22-16 overtime loss.
The bigger concern now? Whether either quarterback will be healthy enough to suit up against a 7-8 Ravens squad that’s still fighting to stay alive in the AFC playoff picture.
Love remains in protocol, and with limited practice reps, his availability is very much up in the air. Willis, meanwhile, is gutting it out, but playing through a shoulder injury against a physical Ravens defense is no small task.
Still, the Packers control their own destiny. A win on Saturday night keeps them on track for a playoff berth - and possibly more. But that path gets a whole lot tougher if they’re down to a banged-up backup or forced to dip even deeper into the depth chart.
The good news? Willis has shown he can manage the offense.
He’s mobile, decisive, and has the arm to keep defenses honest. If he gets the nod again, the Packers will need to lean into what he does best - quick reads, designed runs, and a steady dose of the ground game to take pressure off his shoulder.
It’s not the cleanest quarterback situation heading into Week 17, but it’s December football - and this is where teams prove what they’re made of. Whether it’s Love, Willis, or a combination of both, the Packers need someone to step up under the lights at Lambeau.
The playoffs are within reach. Now it’s just a matter of who’s healthy enough to help get them there.