The Green Bay Packers’ quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into Week 18. In fact, it became messier after Week 17.
After sitting out Saturday night’s 41-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Jordan Love’s status is still up in the air as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed Love’s absence after the game, explaining why the Packers’ starter was unable to play.
“I think he’s feeling physically good, but they have those measures in place obviously to protect our players, and he didn’t pass the necessary tests to clear the protocol,” LaFleur said of Love’s health, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today.
With Love unavailable, Green Bay turned to Malik Willis for his first start of the season. Willis delivered a standout performance, completing 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores and a team-high 60 yards on the ground. However, his night ended early after he suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder in the fourth quarter.
That injury forced Green Bay to finish the game with third-string quarterback Clayton Tune under center.
Packers’ QB Situation Amid Jordan Love, Malik Willis’ Injuries
Now, both Love and Willis are question marks for Green Bay’s regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. LaFleur emphasized that Love must fully clear the concussion protocol before any decision is made about his availability.
The timing of the injuries comes with the Packers’ position already locked in. Saturday’s loss dropped Green Bay to 9-6-1 and officially ended its chances of winning the NFC North, clinching the division for the Chicago Bears. The Packers will finish second in the division regardless of the Week 18 outcome.
With playoff seeding already determined, Green Bay could take a cautious approach as it prepares to close out the regular season on the road at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
