The Green Bay Packers have just officially ruled starting quarterback Jordan Love out for this weekend’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll be out of this crunch time match because of a concussion. Love, an 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft, suffered a concussion in last Saturday’s overtime loss to the Chicago Bears. He was unable to clear all necessary stages of the concussion protocol, resulting in his Friday downgrade from questionable to out.
With Love sidelined, Malik Willis will step in as the starting quarterback. It’s why Willis had the final three minutes of action against the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, he hurt his right throwing shoulder on the final play of regulation. Although he missed some practice this week, limited overall, Willis is now on track to lead the team against the Ravens.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur provided an update on Love’s health earlier this week. He was well-aware of the challenges one faces in managing concussion symptoms.
“It’s just a very delicate issue, you know what I’m saying, in terms of, we’ve seen it with certain guys, they come in, they feel great one day, and then the next day they don’t,” – Matt LaFleur
The Packers have a huge matchup Sunday in Pittsburgh, as they look to maintain their slim playoff hopes in the NFC North. They need to win out, these last two games to advance. At the same time, they’ll require the Chicago Bears to lose their final two contests.
In addition to Love’s absence, the team has been monitoring Willis’ health closely. But he missed a day of practice this week due to illness and has exhibited slow practicing so far. If he can’t get back to 100 percent, though, Clayton Tune would be the odds-on favorite to be Willis’ backup. Tune has been on the practice squad all season, but he would be next if something happened.
At the same time, the Ravens have their own injury issues to worry about. Star quarterback Lamar Jackson is listed as doubtful with a back contusion. If Jackson is unable to go, it will probably be Tyler Huntley under center for Baltimore.
As the two sides match wits in this enormously important contest, the Packers have their eyes firmly fixed on a post-season berth.
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