Watch: Backup QB Malik Willis steps up, helps Packers escape with win vs. Jaguars
Acquiring backup quarterback Malik Willis in a trade with the Tennessee Titans has continued to pay off for the Green Bay Packers.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Subsequently, Packers kicker Brandon McManus made a 24-yard field-goal attempt before time expired, sealing a 30-27 road victory.
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.Â
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.
