Matt LaFleur reveals whether Packers have interest in signing Ryan Tannehill

Jordan Love's injury leaves Matt LaFleur in an unfamiliar position.

Since taking the Green Bay Packers' head coach job five years ago, either Love or Aaron Rodgers has started every game. When Rodgers couldn't start against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 or had to leave due to injury in 2022—against the Philadelphia Eagles, coincidentally—Love was there to step in.

This week, the Packers face the harsh reality of playing without a star quarterback. Assuming Love is out, Malik Willis and Sean Clifford are the only available options.

It created questions about the possibility of signing a veteran. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Packers had reached out to free agent Ryan Tannehill.

LaFleur gave his response on Monday.

Matt LaFleur shuts down reports linking Packers to Ryan Tannehill

Speaking to the media, a reporter asked LaFleur whether the Packers would consider signing a veteran quarterback.

"No," said LaFleur. "Despite reports, it's crazy to me how people come up with some of these things. I think you explore every possibility, but at no point in time did we have any discussions with anybody."

LaFleur didn't mention a quarterback by name, but it was pretty clear who he was talking about.

Tannehill is the best available option, but asking him to step in with less than a week to prepare is a plan destined to fail. He would need longer to gain at least some familiarity with the offense. That's what the Packers are banking on with Willis, who will have been on the team for roughly three weeks when he starts in Week 2.

If the Packers were going to sign Tannehill, they should've done it months ago.

LaFleur confirmed it will be Willis starting ahead of Clifford, assuming Love isn't available this week.

"If Jordan isn't cleared, we'll start Malik, and Sean will be the backup," said LaFleur.

There's no miracle solution, whether it's Tannehill, Willis, Clifford, or even Matt Flynn. The Packers have to hope Willis can make enough plays and get some help from the run game and defense to get past the Indianapolis Colts this week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter believes Love could return in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, which would mean Willis gets two starts, first against the Colts and then a revenge game with the Tennessee Titans.

Help isn't on the way. It's over to Willis, in just his fourth career start, to lead the Packers' offense in Love's absence.

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