The Green Bay Packers learned that quarterback Jordan Love is working through a thumb injury, the spotlight has once again found its way back to backup quarterback Malik Willis. After struggling for years with the Tennessee Titans, Matt LaFleur seems to have unlocked Willis at the professional level.
Willis' career was saved by a terrific two-game stint filling in for Love last season, which solidified him as a high-end backup in the NFL. The former Liberty star proved that how he was used in Tennessee was doing him a disservice.
Even though Willis didn't have his best game in the preseason against the New York Jets, the Packers are still very bullish on his potential. One of the key starters on this team is still driving the Willis bandwagon, claiming he is one of the 32 best at his position in the league.
"If you ask me, [there's] no way that this guy shouldn't be ... starting somewhere [in the NFL]," said running back Josh Jacobs, via ESPN. As has been proven in the 2024 season, Willis can keep this offense humming along for a few games if Love is unable to get healthy.
Packers RB Josh Jacobs says Malik Willis should be a starting quarterback
Willis' true skills are likely somewhere in between his very enticing cameo with the Packers last year (where he amassed a gaudy 124.8 passer rating) and his ill-fated tenure with the Titans (where he failed to throw a touchdown pass and had a 49.3 passer rating).
Even though Willis' status throughout the league has wavered every now and again, two traits that have always stood out when analyzing him as a player are his strong arm and terrific rushing ability. Those traits are exemplary enough for LaFleur to feel confident in building an offense around him for a few games.
While Love is likely going to fine before the Packers have to suit up for their season-opening duel against the Detroit Lions, Willis will need to prepare as if he is going to get the start if this injury ends up lingering, and he'll likely be working with a questionable offensive line in front of him.
The Packers may need to see a few more solid performances from Willis before they can feel confident in him as a possible long-term starter if Love were to miss a good chunk of the season, but Jacobs seems to be extremely bullish on his potential.