Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love suffered an injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, and early reports indicate he may be out for an extended period.
Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media after the game, offering insight into Love’s groin injury and expressing concern about its severity.
“Obviously, high level of concern,” LaFleur said, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “I think everybody could see him struggling to move around, and I just got to a point where we didn’t — he didn’t feel like he could protect himself.”
Love exited the game in the third quarter after completing 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards and one interception. Backup quarterback Malik Willis took over and went 4 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown, helping the Packers secure a 30-27 victory over the Jaguars with a last-second field goal.
Malik Willis Has Stepped Up for Green Bay Before
Packers quarterback Malik Willis.
As worrisome as Love’s injury might be, Packers fans can find some comfort in Willis’ track record. The team has called upon him previously, and he’s proven he can step up.
Earlier this season, Love sustained a knee sprain during Green Bay’s Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Willis looked uncertain in a couple of late-game snaps, but he went on to lead the Packers to a 2-0 record in Love’s absence over the next two games.
The Packers leaned on a ground-heavy game plan and strong defense, asking Willis to manage the offense and occasionally take shots downfield. He has executed this approach well in three games, completing 29 of 39 passes on the season for 380 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Green Bay defeated the Indianapolis Colts by six points in Week 3, racking up 261 rushing yards with Willis under center. The following week, the Packers secured a road win against the Tennessee Titans, Willis’ former team, by 16 points, amassing 188 rushing yards as a unit.
A steady diet of handoffs to running back Josh Jacobs was key again on Sunday after Love’s departure, as the Packers methodically advanced the ball, highlighted by a 51-yard pass from Willis to wide receiver Jayden Reed.
Packers May Add a QB to the Roster Soon
Depending on the severity of Love’s groin injury, recovery could take anywhere from one to six weeks, though a Grade 3 strain could end his season.
Assuming Love’s season remains intact, the Packers may still look to add another quarterback to support Willis and third-stringer Sean Clifford, currently on the practice squad.
The schedule intensifies in the weeks ahead, and the Packers’ formula may be less effective against stronger teams like the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, whom Green Bay will face soon.
This doesn’t suggest the Packers will make a major trade, like acquiring Justin Fields from the Pittsburgh Steelers, or signing a veteran free agent like Ryan Tannehill. However, bringing in another quarterback to get familiar with the offense could be a wise move in case Willis struggles or faces injury before Love can return.
