Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Watch: Packers' Malik Willis throws first career touchdown pass

By Colum Dell | Last updated Sep 15, 2024 2:25 PM ET

Third-year quarterback Malik Willis has only been a member of the Green Bay Packers for a few weeks, but it appears he's quickly grasping the playbook.

With franchise quarterback Jordan Love sidelined with a knee injury, Willis, who was acquired on Aug. 26 from Tennessee in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, got the start for Green Bay in Sunday's home matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Entering Sunday's action, the 2022 third-round pick out of Liberty had completed just 52.2% of his passes for 350 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in his career while posting a 1-2 record as a starter. However, it didn't take long for Willis to throw his first career touchdown pass in Sunday's contest.

With 3:23 remaining in the first quarter, Willis found second-year wideout Dontayvion Wicks for a 14-yard touchdown to extend Green Bay’s lead to 10-0, capping off an 11-play, 82-yard drive.

Malik Willis throws his first NFL TD pass!#INDvsGB pic.twitter.com/c2ALcrhUN6
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 15, 2024

Willis' touchdown was only his second pass attempt of the game, as Green Bay has leaned heavily on its running game against Indianapolis, which allowed 213 rushing yards in last week's loss to Houston.

While Willis is limited as a passer, showing that he can competently run an offense will only help him prove that he can be a capable backup as he attempts to get his career back on track.

Colum Dell

Colum is a Texas transplant, born and raised in New Jersey. In addition to being a West Virginia University alumnus, he is a long-suffering New York Giants, Knicks and Mets fan. He joined Yardbarker in November 2022 and has primarily covered the NFL since

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