Malik Willis' Incredible Day For Packers Ends With 'Brutal' Injury

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 11:11 PM ET

A short-term injury to Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love opened the door for backup Malik Willis to take the starting job and run with it to the bank. Unfortunately, his exceptional performance today might wind up being in vain.

Against the Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field, Willis was doing a pretty good job of moving the ball. He completed 18 of 21 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while running the ball nine times for 60 yards and two more touchdowns. The rest of the Packers backfield had just nine yards combined.

Throughout the game, fans were gushing over Willis' performance with many remarking that he might have played himself into a massive free agent contract and possibly even a starting job somewhere in 2026.

Sadly, Willis' heroic effort ended on a sour note. He suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter which knocked him out of the game. Backup Clayton Tune came in but threw an interception on his first pass, which the Ravens then used to start a sustained drive that helped them seal the game.

QB Malik Willis is questionable to return with a right shoulder injury
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 28, 2025

Bad Timing

The game itself didn't matter to Green Bay other than playoff seeding and when Love returns he'll be the one leading the team's postseason push.

As for Willis, the injury might be costly to his own future if it's bad. He was already playing through the game with the shoulder slightly injured but decided to fight on.

If Willis is hurt, and it's a long injury, it could seriously damage his chances of getting a long-term deal with potential employers.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers rushes against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Andy Lyons/Getty Images

On the other hand, Willis has certainly proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he can be a suitable backup to Jordan Love.

At worst, if other NFL teams don't show up at his door with bags of cash, the Packers would probably be willing to bring him back at a premium backup price.

For a player that most of the league had written off a year ago, that's a better spot to be in than many other quarterbacks find.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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