Packers Start Malik Willis as Jordan Love is Ruled Out Against Ravens

The Green Bay Packers will face the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night without starting quarterback Jordan Love, who has been ruled out due to a concussion. Backup Malik Willis will take the helm after Love was downgraded from questionable to out on Friday. This decision follows Love’s injury sustained during the Packers’ overtime loss to the Chicago Bears last week.

Willis stepped in for Love during the Bears game but also encountered difficulties, injuring his right shoulder on the final play of regulation. Both quarterbacks were limited in practice this week, with Willis missing a day due to an illness affecting several players in the Packers’ locker room.

Backup Plans and Roster Changes

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur discussed Love’s status, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of concussion recovery. “It’s just a very delicate issue, you know what I’m saying, in terms of, we’ve seen it with certain guys—they come in, they feel great one day and then the next day they don’t,” LaFleur stated. This uncertainty has made the team’s preparations challenging.

With Love sidelined, the Packers are expected to elevate Clayton Tune, who has spent the entire season on the practice squad, to serve as Willis’ backup. Tune will need to be added to the active roster on Saturday, as he was not included in Friday’s roster changes. The Packers also placed linebacker Kristian Welch on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, which could facilitate Tune’s promotion.

In addition to the quarterback situation, the Packers downgraded guard Aaron Banks (neck/illness) and receiver Savion Williams (foot/illness) to questionable as the game approaches.

Ravens’ Quarterback Uncertainty

The Ravens are experiencing their own quarterback dilemma, as starting quarterback Lamar Jackson is listed as doubtful due to a back contusion. Should Jackson be unable to play, Tyler Huntley is poised to start for Baltimore.

Despite the injuries, the Packers (9-5-1) have already clinched a playoff spot after the Detroit Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday. The team still has a chance to secure the NFC North title, contingent upon winning their final two games and the Bears losing their last two.

As the Packers prepare for this crucial matchup against the Ravens, the outcome could have significant implications for their playoff positioning as they navigate the challenges of an injury-riddled roster.