Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur Doesn't Sugarcoat Preseason Evisceration vs. Jets 3 Aug 9, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws the ball during the second quarter against New York at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs Gets Honest About Malik Willis’ Future

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 12:29 AM ET

In 2024, Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis was suddenly given the keys to the offense under center after Jordan Love suffered an injury in Week 1’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. Despite limited time with the Packers in the offseason, Willis managed to be a steady presence on the field, with Green Bay tailoring the offense for him.

With Love reportedly undergoing a procedure on his left thumb, Willis filled in as the Packers’ QB1 during Thursday’s joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts.

Willis appeared to make a good account of himself on the field, with Packers running back Josh Jacobs taking notice of the quarterback’s performance.

“We know what Malik is and what we have in Malik,” Jacobs said, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers’ website.

Jacobs also shared his confidence in Willis’ NFL outlook.

“He made a few throws today that was kinda like, ‘Wow.’ Just him being more comfortable and him being the leader, I think he’s naturally a guy that he puts in the work, so I think he’s going to succeed.”

Will Jordan Love be ready for the Green Bay Packers’ 2025 NFL season opener?

The Packers are less than a month away from kicking off their 2025 campaign, with a date with the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field scheduled for September 7. Green Bay, however, doesn’t seem all that worried about Love’s availability for that contest.

“We’ll get him back in plenty of time,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said (h/t Rob Demovsky of ESPN). “I don’t foresee this affecting him long term at all.”

As for the upcoming preseason clash with the Colts and the one after that versus the Seattle Seahawks, Love can be expected to sit out both contests, with Willis possibly getting some snaps.

Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs Gets Honest About Malik Willis' Future 2 Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) look on during pregame warmups before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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