Saturday’s loss to the Bears wasn’t just a gut punch for the Packers - it was a potential turning point in a season that’s teetered between promise and uncertainty. Green Bay walked into Soldier Field with a shot to take control of the NFC North. They walked out with a 22-16 overtime loss, a quarterback room in flux, and more questions than answers heading into a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the Ravens.
Let’s start with the obvious: Jordan Love’s early exit after a helmet-to-helmet hit threw the Packers’ game plan into chaos. Love is now in concussion protocol and also dealing with a left shoulder injury, casting serious doubt over his availability for Saturday night’s showdown at Lambeau Field.
His backup, Malik Willis, stepped in and nearly pulled off a gutsy comeback, showing flashes of poise and mobility that gave Green Bay a real shot at stealing a road win. But a late shoulder injury - to his throwing arm - clearly hampered him on the Packers’ final drive in overtime.
And then came the dagger: a recovered onside kick by Chicago, followed by a clutch throw from Caleb Williams - easily the best of his young NFL career - to seal the win for the Bears. It was a moment that will stick with both franchises for very different reasons.
Now, with both Love and Willis limited in Tuesday’s practice, Green Bay is staring down the possibility of turning to third-string quarterback Clayton Tune. The 2023 fifth-round pick out of Houston is currently on the practice squad but could be thrust into the spotlight if neither Love nor Willis is cleared in time. That’s a tough ask for any young quarterback, let alone one whose only NFL start came in a 27-0 loss to the Browns, where he went 11-of-20 for 58 yards, two interceptions, a lost fumble, and 28 rushing yards.
To be fair, Tune was a standout at Houston - a productive college player with good size and mobility - but he’s still very much an unknown at the pro level. If he ends up getting the nod, the Packers may need to bring in another quarterback just to have a full depth chart.
And it’s not just the quarterback situation that’s murky. Star running back Josh Jacobs was also limited in Tuesday’s practice with knee and ankle issues. He’s been a key piece of the offense, especially in recent weeks, and his health will be just as critical if Green Bay hopes to keep pace with a Ravens team that’s been one of the league’s most balanced and physical squads all year.
Despite the loss in Chicago, the Packers still control their playoff destiny. A win over Baltimore would clinch a postseason berth and put them right back in the mix for the division. But with uncertainty under center and injuries piling up, they’ll need to dig deep - and possibly rely on a third-string quarterback - to get there.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Lambeau Field. Whether it’s Love, Willis, or Tune under center, the stakes couldn’t be higher.