“Packers Bounce Back with Win Over Colts; Malik Willis Steps Up in Jordan Love’s Absence”
The Green Bay Packers bounced back well from their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles by defeating the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, despite not having starting quarterback Jordan Love. Love sustained an MCL sprain late in the season opener, but the Packers opted not to place him on injured reserve, indicating he’s not expected to be out for long.
In Love’s absence, Malik Willis stepped in for Week 2, completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ 16-10 win over the Colts. Willis’ solid performance suggests he can keep the team competitive while Love recovers.
Reports now indicate that Love has returned to practice in a limited capacity and may play in Week 3. However, it might be wiser for the Packers to rest him until he’s fully healthy, ensuring their franchise quarterback is well-protected for the long term. This decision would also make the upcoming matchup more intriguing.
If Green Bay chooses to rest Love, Willis could start against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, in a potential “revenge” game. Drafted by the Titans in the third round of 2022, Willis started three games in his rookie season before being moved to a backup role. After the Titans drafted Will Levis in 2023, they traded Willis to the Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
Should Willis play, he could have the chance to hand the winless Titans another defeat, which would be particularly satisfying for him given their decision to move on from him. Although Willis downplayed any personal motivation, saying in an interview with Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, “I could care less,” the storyline adds extra excitement if the Packers decide to give Love another week to heal.