The Green Bay Packers’ 2024 season could be facing a serious setback after quarterback Jordan Love sustained a potentially significant injury during their season opener, a 34-29 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. On one of the final plays of the game, Love appeared to injure his lower leg while attempting to orchestrate a game-winning drive with less than 30 seconds remaining. The quarterback, who signed a four-year, $220 million contract extension in July, was trying to fight through defenders in the pocket when he was twisted around before dumping off a pass to running back Josh Jacobs. Love showed obvious signs of distress after hitting the ground but managed to limp off the field with assistance from the training staff.
Initial reports from NFL Media have ruled out an ankle injury, and preliminary tests have confirmed that Love’s ACL is intact. However, further scans and tests will be necessary once the team returns to Green Bay to determine the exact nature of the injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur, when asked about Love’s status after the game, responded with uncertainty, saying, “I don’t know.” Before exiting, Love had completed 17 of 34 pass attempts for 260 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Despite his injury, the young quarterback showed flashes of the skill that made him the team’s long-term answer at the position following Aaron Rodgers’ departure.
The Packers, who made it to the playoffs in 2023 with a 9-8 record and even secured a postseason win over the Dallas Cowboys, were seen as potential NFC contenders this season, largely due to Love’s progress as a starting quarterback. In the final 10 games of his first full season as a starter, Love threw 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions, demonstrating his growth and leadership potential. These performances earned him a significant contract extension, solidifying the Packers’ confidence in him as their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Losing Love for an extended period would dramatically change the outlook for the Packers in 2024. His backup, Malik Willis, is a 25-year-old quarterback whom Green Bay acquired from the Tennessee Titans just a few weeks prior, trading a seventh-round pick for the former third-round selection out of Liberty. Although Willis has limited NFL experience, starting only three games and posting modest stats with zero touchdowns and three interceptions, he is considered an intriguing dual-threat talent. The Packers’ general manager, Brian Gutekunst, chose Willis over other options like Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt, indicating some confidence in Willis’ ability to step in if necessary.
If the Packers feel that Willis isn’t ready to take over the reins, they could explore other quarterback options outside the organization. One possibility is veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is currently a free agent. Tannehill is no stranger to stepping in and saving a season. Back in 2019, he replaced Marcus Mariota as the Tennessee Titans’ starting quarterback and helped lead the team to seven wins in their final 10 games. Tannehill’s efforts that season earned the Titans a playoff berth, where they upset both the New England Patriots and the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. For his performance, Tannehill was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Another potential option is Jameis Winston, currently serving as the backup quarterback for the Cleveland Browns behind Deshaun Watson. Winston, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, is known for his strong arm and leadership abilities. Though infamous for his 2019 season where he threw 30 interceptions and 33 touchdowns, Winston has shown that he can still play at a high level. Acquiring him would likely require a trade, but he could provide the Packers with a proven veteran presence.
A third option might be Bailey Zappe, currently on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. Zappe, a young quarterback who first saw NFL action against the Packers in 2022, has shown promise in limited opportunities. Although his stats as a starter include more interceptions than touchdowns, Zappe has a big arm and could be a developmental option if the Packers seek a younger, less experienced quarterback.
In any case, the Packers face a critical decision depending on the outcome of Jordan Love’s medical tests. Whether they stick with Willis or seek outside help, Love’s potential absence would undeniably shake up their 2024 plans.
