What will the Packers do if they lose Jordan Love for several weeks? The Green Bay Packers are facing a tricky situation with their quarterback lineup. Sean Clifford, who has only completed one regular-season pass in his career, is one of the few options available if Jordan Love‘s recent left leg injury sidelines him for the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. The other option is Malik Willis, who just joined the team last week.
Clifford, who backed up Love last season and hit Bo Melton for a 37-yard completion in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings on the only pass attempt of his rookie season, would have to be elevated or signed from the practice squad if the Packers wanted to go that route, reports indicate.
Despite his limited experience, the Packers didn’t feel confident enough in Clifford to keep him as QB2 for a second year. After a training camp competition with rookie Michael Pratt, they opted to trade for Willis on August 26.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst chose not to sign a veteran backup during the offseason because he liked how Clifford played last summer in his rookie preseason and thought the strong-armed Pratt, a seventh-round pick from Tulane, could provide good competition, the report noted.
Love’s status puts Packers in a bind
Willis, acquired from the Titans, was seen as a quick learner and ready to step in as Love’s backup after just two weeks with the team. However, his debut against the Eagles was less than impressive; he took the final two snaps after Love’s injury but ended up throwing an incomplete pass and getting sacked on the last play of the game. Although Clifford made the trip to São Paulo with the team, he wasn’t elevated to the active roster for the game.
The Packers seemed optimistic about Willis’s potential, believing he could adapt to the offense swiftly. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding Love’s injury has put them in a tight spot, especially since they decided against bringing in a veteran backup during the offseason.
As they navigate this challenging situation, the Packers will need to weigh their options carefully. With limited experience at the quarterback position, they must make strategic decisions to maintain their competitiveness.