Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) looks to pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at EverBank Stadium. Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Watch: Backup QB Malik Willis steps up, helps Packers escape with win vs. Jaguars

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 27, 2024 4:23 PM ET

Acquiring backup quarterback Malik Willis in a trade with the Tennessee Titans has continued to pay off for the Green Bay Packers.

On Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love exited the game early in the third quarter with a groin injury. Willis then entered and stepped up in crunch time.

With 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 27, Willis faked a handoff to running back Josh Jacobs on a 2nd-and-6 at Green Bay's 34-yard line. He then launched a 51-yard pass to wide receiver Jayden Reed.

Subsequently, Packers kicker Brandon McManus made a 24-yard field-goal attempt before time expired, sealing a 30-27 road victory.

REEEEEEEEED!#GBvsJAX pic.twitter.com/oGewT53OaM
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 27, 2024

Brandon McManus wins it for Green Bay again! pic.twitter.com/kdTTIXvT2f
— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

Against Jacksonville, Willis was 4-of-5 passing for 56 yards and one touchdown and posted an above-average 152.9 passer rating. Additionally, he rushed for 23 yards on four carries.

The severity of Love's injury remains unclear, but Willis has clearly proved he can step up if he needs to fill in for the injured QB.

Love missed two games with a knee sprain earlier this season, and Willis replaced him. During that stretch, the former third-round pick went 2-0, throwing two touchdown passes and logging a solid 123.9 passer rating.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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