Breaking: Packers Add QB to Active Roster With Jordan Love Out with confirmed season ending injury
The Green Bay Packers have firmed up their quarterback situation heading into Week 2 after starter Jordan Love suffered an injury.
With Love sidelined, the Packers are set to start backup Malik Willis in their upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. To bolster their depth at the position, Green Bay made a roster move on Saturday by promoting 2023 fifth-round pick Sean Clifford from the practice squad. Clifford, who had been on the practice squad since the end of August, will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Willis this Sunday.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported via X on September 14, “The #Packers downgraded QB Jordan Love (knee) to doubtful on the injury report and elevated Sean Clifford from the practice squad to back up Malik Willis on Sunday vs. the #Colts.”
Malik Willis, Sean Clifford Each Have Minimal NFL Experience
Sean Clifford brings a full year of experience with the Packers’ system, while Malik Willis, acquired in a trade on August 26, is still new to the team.
Not only is Willis unfamiliar with Green Bay’s offense, but he also lacks significant NFL experience. Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round in 2022, Willis has started just three games over two seasons, all during his rookie year as a backup to Ryan Tannehill. In 12 total NFL appearances, he has accumulated 350 passing yards with 3 interceptions, alongside 144 rushing yards and 1 touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference.
Clifford, on the other hand, has even less NFL experience. He has appeared in only two games, logging 13 offensive snaps, with 3 rushing attempts for -2 yards and no career pass attempts.
Packers Taking Calculated Risk With Malik Willis, Sean Clifford at QB
The Packers are taking a considerable risk by relying on Malik Willis and Sean Clifford in their home opener at Lambeau Field. How well one—or both—performs could significantly influence Green Bay’s approach, especially with Jordan Love likely sidelined for a few more weeks.
Green Bay has opted not to place Love on injured reserve (IR), signaling hope for a quicker return. If they had placed him on IR, he would have been required to miss at least four games, though the team would have gained a temporary roster spot. Love’s swift recovery from the MCL sprain he sustained in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles could reduce the team’s risk.
However, the Packers are playing in a competitive NFC North, where every win matters, and opting to go with an inexperienced duo rather than signing a veteran quarterback could backfire. Missing one or two games due to quarterback struggles might cost them in tight division and wildcard races later in the season.
While veterans like Ryan Tannehill reportedly aren’t interested in starting roles with limited time frames, as per Ari Meirov of 33rd Team, it’s worth questioning if any free agents could offer an immediate upgrade over the 25-year-old Willis. Trade options remain on the table, but delaying the decision for a week to evaluate Willis could hurt any new quarterback’s chances of being fully prepared if Green Bay chooses to make a change by Week 3 or beyond.