If starting quarterback Jordan Love can't play Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers shouldn't worry. Backup QB Malik Willis likely gives them an excellent fallback plan.
Love suffered a groin injury in the third quarter during a 30-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8 and didn't return. During his absence, Willis completed 4-of-5 passes for 56 yards and one TD and rushed for 23 yards on four carries.
Love missed practice Wednesday, but Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he's still trying to play Love in Week 9. However, they shouldn't rush the QB. Willis — whom Green Bay acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in August — has reportedly impressed at practice.
"Packers coaches are blown away by what Willis has been able to do," wrote ESPN's Dan Graziano Wednesday. "And it's a testament to him as well as coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich."
Earlier this season, Willis filled in for Love after he injured his knee in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. In two starts against the Titans and Colts, the former third-round pick went 2-0, completing 75.7% of his passes for 324 yards and two TDs.
If Willis starts at home against Detroit, the Lions (6-1) would probably be the best team he has faced thus far. The matchup could also have NFC North title race implications, putting more pressure on him.
Still, Detroit's pass defense looked vulnerable even before defensive end Aidan Hutchinson suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions rank 27th in the league in passing yards allowed (247.6).
On Monday, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported Love's injury isn't "expected to sideline him long term." LaFleur also told the media Love will play if he's healthy at the end of the week.
Unless Love is 100%, the Packers (6-2) should consider rolling with Willis.
Green Bay doesn't want to put Love at risk, especially after he signed a four-year, $220M deal this offseason. Plus, Willis has continued to prove he's a dependable option.
