Packers' Quarterback Depth Keeps Them in the Fight, Even as Injuries Pile Up
The Green Bay Packers have had their fair share of quarterback drama over the years, but in the Jordan Love era, it’s not about controversy - it’s about durability. Love, who took over as the full-time starter in 2023, made it through that first campaign unscathed. But since then, it’s been a different story.
Love opened the 2024 season with a knee injury in Week 1 that lingered far longer than anyone in Green Bay would've liked. That injury cast a shadow over much of his year, limiting his mobility and rhythm.
And 2025 hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing either. Love has been banged up multiple times this season, missing stretches against the Giants and Bears due to separate, but still notable, injuries.
He did manage to return mid-game against the Giants, but the wear and tear is starting to show.
Still, the Packers haven’t folded under the pressure - and that’s largely thanks to Malik Willis.
Willis has stepped into the backup role and turned it into something more. Whenever his number’s been called, he’s answered - and then some.
In 2024, he started two games and walked away with two wins. He also orchestrated a clutch, game-winning drive in a separate outing, showing poise in high-leverage moments.
Fast forward to this season, and he’s continued to deliver. He came off the bench to throw a laser-like touchdown pass in relief of Love, and nearly pulled off a comeback against the Bears - a game that slipped away not because of Willis, but because of missed opportunities by others.
Let’s be real: no backup quarterback is flawless. But what Willis has brought to the table is the kind of reliability and spark that’s rare in a QB2.
He’s kept the Packers competitive every time he’s stepped on the field - and that’s not just a bonus, it’s a lifeline. In a league where a single injury can derail a season, having a backup who can keep the ship steady is invaluable.
Looking ahead, the Packers’ quarterback situation remains a bit unsettled. Love appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Saturday, but nothing is guaranteed. Whether he’s starting, subbing in, or waiting in the wings, Willis has proven he’s ready for whatever role the team needs him to play.
And that kind of readiness - that quiet confidence and ability to deliver in the moment - is exactly what keeps Green Bay in the playoff hunt, even when the injury report says otherwise.