Packers leave door open for Jordan Love to play in Week 2, Malik Willis ready to step in

Despite injuring his knee injury in last Friday’s season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers aren’t ruling out quarterback Jordan Love from playing in Week 2. Initially, it was believed that Love would miss multiple weeks with an MCL sprain. However, head coach Matt LaFleur stated on Monday that they will give Love every opportunity to suit up for the Packers’ Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. If Love is not cleared to play, then Malik Willis will be the starting quarterback.

“If Jordan is not cleared, then we’ll start Malik, and Sean (Clifford) will be the backup,” LaFleur said Monday.

LaFleur would not put a percentage on the likelihood of Love playing but said that he is doing “everything in his power” to get back as soon as possible. LaFleur said they would be cautious with Love and obviously wouldn’t put him in a position where he couldn’t protect himself. Green Bay’s head coach also confirmed that Love is not going on injured reserve.

LaFleur indicated that they received relatively good news regarding Love’s injury after returning from Brazil. Based on his comments, it sounds like the franchise quarterback is week-to-week.

If Love should not be able to suit up against the Colts, the team has confidence in Willis as the backup. Willis, who was acquired from the Tennessee Titans on August 26 in exchange for a seventh-round pick, has appeared in 12 games in his career, throwing for 350 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions.

“He’s put a lot of time and effort into this thing. He’s grinded. He’s learned the terminology and is able to spit out the playcalls and we’ve got confidence in him,” said LaFleur. “I think if he’s given a full week of preparation, a full week of practice, I’ve got confidence that he’ll go out there and perform at a high level.”