Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Packers quarterback Malik Willis is expected to not only start in Week 2 against the Colts but also likely continue as the starter for the next few weeks.
Rapoport notes that while the Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur are keeping the option open for QB Jordan Love’s return, Love’s MCL injury probably means Willis will remain in the starting role for a few weeks. LaFleur is maintaining hope for Love’s return, despite the injury likely keeping him out longer than anticipated.
LaFleur described Love’s knee injury as “more day-to-day” in a recent interview, but Love has not yet practiced, and the typical recovery time for an MCL injury is about three weeks. The Packers haven’t placed Love on injured reserve, which would have sidelined him for four games, indicating they believe he might return before the four-week period is up.
During Love’s absence, Sean Clifford will serve as Willis’s backup.
Willis, aged 25, played two years at Liberty after transferring from Auburn, leading the team to a 17-6 record.
The Titans selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 86 pick, and he was traded to the Packers for a seventh-round pick after the preseason.
He is currently in the third year of a four-year, $5.16 million rookie contract with a $932,800 signing bonus. In 2022, Willis appeared in eight games for the Titans, completing 50.8% of his passes for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 123 yards and one touchdown.
