The Green Bay Packers head into a tense December showdown against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field with a surprising twist: their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, will watch from the sidelines. Despite the team having already secured a playoff berth, the NFC North division race remains fiercely alive, adding immense weight to every lineup decision.
Why Jordan Love is Not Playing Against the Ravens
The sole reason for Jordan Love's absence is his ongoing placement in the NFL's concussion protocol. The quarterback entered the protocol after sustaining a hard hit during last week's overtime loss to the Chicago Bears. Although Love participated in practice on a limited basis this week, he did not successfully clear all the mandatory stages required for medical clearance to play in a game.
The league's protocol is intentionally strict and methodical. Symptoms can be unpredictable, and player safety is paramount, a consideration that becomes even more critical with the postseason on the horizon. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur preached caution throughout the week, acknowledging that rushing a player back from a head injury could have consequences far beyond a single game.
With Green Bay's playoff ticket already punched, the franchise's priority shifted decisively towards protecting its long-term investment at quarterback. The official downgrade from 'questionable' to 'out' confirmed that the decision was driven entirely by medical prudence, not competitive urgency.
Malik Willis: The Next Man Up for Green Bay
With Love unavailable, the spotlight now falls squarely on backup quarterback Malik Willis. The 26-year-old's journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. After beginning his college career at Auburn, Willis transferred to Liberty University, where his dynamic dual-threat abilities came to the forefront. At Liberty, he amassed an impressive 47 passing touchdowns and 27 rushing touchdowns, showcasing the raw athleticism that made him a draft prospect.
Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis found initial opportunities scarce and struggled to find a consistent rhythm. A fresh start arrived in Green Bay following the 2024 preseason. When called upon last season during a previous absence by Jordan Love, Willis displayed notable poise, leading the Packers to victories in both of his starts while taking care of the football.
He finished the 2024 season with efficient numbers and a renewed sense of confidence. Now, Willis earns his first start of the 2025 campaign in one of the most pressure-packed environments possible—a late-season duel with the Ravens with division standings in the balance. The Packers' offense, ranked among the league's most efficient units this season, will now test its adaptability.
Injuries Force Packers to Adapt on the Fly
The quarterback change is not the only challenge facing the Packers. Injuries and illness have created ripples across the roster, forcing the coaching staff to rethink strategies in key areas like pass protection, offensive rhythm, and play selection. The margin for error in a game of this magnitude is slim.
Coaches have spent the week juggling considerations of health, timing, and trust in their personnel. While practice reports offered glimmers of hope, final clarity only arrived as the weekend approached. The team's ability to adapt will be critically tested against a formidable Ravens defense.
For Malik Willis, the mandate is clear: he does not need to be perfect, but he must be steady, decisive, and fearless. This unexpected start against Baltimore represents more than just another game; it is a career-defining opportunity that could reshape his future in the NFL.
