Packers quarterback Malik Willis was in for quite the shock as center Josh Myers prepared to snap him the ball before a third down on Sunday. Facing third-and-10 against the Colts in the second quarter, Willis watched as Myers vomited on the football and then snapped it to him.
Unsure of what to do, the quarterback simply scrambled three yards before being taken down. It looked strange to coach Matt LaFluer, who questioned him on the sidelines about why he didn’t throw the ball. He was just as surprised when Willis relayed what happened.
“I asked Malik why he didn’t throw the ball on that third down and he told me that Josh threw up on the ball. I was like, ‘That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that,'” LaFleur said postgame. “Matter of fact, the official came over to me and said, ‘We saw your center throwing up on the ball. Do you want us to take him out next time?’ I said, ‘Absolutely. Please do that.’ Because, I mean, you’re talking about a critical situation. It’s third down. I’ve never had a throw with vomit on a football. So Malik probably didn’t appreciate that.”
Green Bay ended up having to punt the ball away on fourth down as a result of the odd mishap. Fortunately, the defense did its job and the Packers got into halftime up 10-0. They would hold on in the second half for the 16-10 victory to improve to 2-0.
Willis made the start on Sunday in place of an injured Jordan Love, who is expected to be out multiple weeks. He finished the day 12-of-14 passing for 122 yards and a touchdown in addition to 41 yards rushing.
It seems as if the Packers might have to rely on him for at least a couple more games, so his performance Sunday was a good sign. As long as he doesn’t have to handle any more snaps with vomit on the football, he should be a solid replacement until Love is healthy again.
