QB Jordan Love ruled out for Week 17 amid Packers' fight for NFC North crown

Malik Willis will start for Green Bay, with Tyler Huntley on track to face the Packers in a do-or-die matchup for the Ravens. This is not a short week for the Packers, who played last Saturday in Chicago, but Love is still going through the concussion protocol steps. Thus, Willis will make his first start of the season.

A hit from Bears defender Austin Booker concussed Love, leading to Willis reemerging for duty. The former Titans draftee played well, all things considered, as he did during an early-season 2024 cameo. Willis started two games last season. Despite being discarded by a new Titans staff in summer 2024 after struggles developing in Tennessee, Willis has found a home in Green Bay. Free-agency interest is expected to come the former third-rounder’s way soon. Saturday will be key for the Liberty alum on that end.

By losing on Thursday, the Lions have been officially eliminated from postseason contention. That has guaranteed at least a wild-card spot for the Packers, but first place in the NFC North is still within reach at this point. Whether or not that remains the case beyond this weekend will depend on Green Bay’s ability to win on Saturday. Love will likely be expected to return for the regular-season finale (at least, if it is still meaningful for seeding purposes), but Willis will get at least one December start.

Willis, 26, has made five regular-season starts in the NFL. Huntley, meanwhile, has led the Ravens offense on 11 total occasions between the regular season and playoffs. He also logged five starts last season for the Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa sidelined. Huntley is a pending free agent, so his situation is similar to Willis’ in that regard.

A strong performance from either backup would go a long way in determining their market value. In any case, the Packers will hope Willis’ encouraging showings with his second career team can continue for another game and keep alive their chances of hosting a playoff game.