Packers Expected to Start Willis Over Love Against Titans

Quarterback Malik Willis is expected to start on Sunday as the Green Bay Packers face his former team, the Tennessee Titans, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Jordan Love is making strides in his recovery from a left knee MCL sprain he sustained during the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6. As of now, he is officially listed as questionable for the upcoming game in Nashville.

Despite the Packers’ efforts to keep their quarterback situation under wraps, indications suggest that Willis will take the field against the Titans.

Willis was traded to Green Bay from Tennessee in late August. With Love unavailable, he stepped up last week and led the Packers to a narrow 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, Willis demonstrated his effectiveness by completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.

This week, Willis downplayed any notions of this game being a “revenge match.” The 2022 third-round draft pick started three games for the Titans, finishing with a 1-2 record.

“I’m not really looking at it that way,” Willis remarked. “I was grateful for my time there. They gave me the opportunity to play in the NFL, and I’m thankful for that. Whether anyone is still with the organization or not, I have nothing but appreciation for everything they did for me.”

As Love continues to recover, he participated in all three practices this week, although he was limited in his participation. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned on Friday that they would continue to assess Love’s progress right up until the inactives list is released 90 minutes before Sunday’s kickoff.

With all signs pointing to Willis starting, the focus will begin to shift towards the Packers’ Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 29, where Love may make a return to the lineup.

On Saturday, the Packers elevated quarterback Sean Clifford from the practice squad for the second consecutive week, indicating that they are preparing for all contingencies leading into the game.

As the game approaches, it will be interesting to see how the Packers plan their strategy, whether with Willis starting or potentially integrating Love back into the mix in the near future. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the developments leading up to the kickoff and beyond.

Source: ESPN