Packers’ starting quarterback Jordan Love will not take the field Saturday night as the team prepares to face the Baltimore Ravens, a decision that follows a concussion sustained in a game just a week earlier.
The Packers announced Friday that Love has been ruled out for the matchup, marking the first full game he will miss this season.
The injury report from Thursday had already listed Love as questionable, citing the concussion and a left shoulder issue.
Packers’ Quarterback Dilemma
With Love sidelined, Green Bay faces the possibility of missing both of its starting quarterbacks for the Saturday game.
Backup Malik Willis is listed as questionable for the same reason, leaving the team without a clear starter on the field.
The uncertainty has put additional pressure on the coaching staff to decide how to proceed.
Practice and Injury Updates
Love absorbed a helmet-to-helmet hit from Chicago’s Austin Booker in the second quarter of a 22-16 overtime loss to the Bears last week, the incident that led to his concussion.
Willis took over at quarterback after the hit and later injured his right throwing shoulder while getting sacked on the final play of the fourth quarter, yet he remained in the game for overtime.
Both quarterbacks have been limited in practice participation this week.
Willis practiced on a limited basis on Tuesday and Thursday, but he did not practice Wednesday due to illness, according to the team’s schedule updates.
Love also had restricted practice sessions, reflecting the team’s cautious approach to his recovery.
The limited activity has raised concerns about the readiness of the Packers’ offense for the upcoming game.
Last season, Willis started two games in place of an injured Love, and the Packers won both contests, highlighting his ability to step in when needed.
The team’s decision to keep Willis on the roster for Saturday underscores the depth concerns at the quarterback position.
If Willis remains unavailable, the Packers would need to rely on other options.
Ravens’ Quarterback Concerns
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are also dealing with uncertainty at quarterback, as two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is listed as doubtful for Saturday night.
Jackson’s back injury knocked him out of a 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots last week, and the team has not yet confirmed his status for the game.
The Ravens have named Tyler Huntley, who took over for Jackson in the Patriots game, as the likely starter if Jackson is unable to play.
Huntley’s performance in the Patriots loss was solid, and the coaching staff believes he can provide stability for the offense if called upon.
The Ravens’ offense will need to adjust to a different quarterback style, potentially affecting their game plan against the Packers.
The injury report also notes that the team’s offensive line remains healthy, which could help mitigate the impact of a quarterback change.
Both teams have had to contend with injuries to key players in the weeks leading up to the matchup, creating a high-stakes environment for the game.
The Ravens’ offense has relied on Huntley’s experience, while the Packers have had to consider Willis as a potential starter.
The outcome of the game could hinge on how each team adapts to the absence of their primary quarterbacks.
Backup Quarterback Landscape
Beyond Love and Willis, Green Bay’s roster includes third-string quarterback Clayton Tune, who was signed to the practice squad in late August.
Tune has appeared in 13 games but has made only one career start, which came with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023.
The presence of Tune provides a further backup option, though he has limited starting experience.
On the Ravens side, the backup depth includes Tyler Huntley, who has already taken over for Jackson in a recent game.
Huntley’s role has been tested during the Patriots loss, and he has been praised for his composure under pressure.
The Ravens will likely rely on Huntley if Jackson cannot play, but the team has also considered other backup options.
Both teams’ backup quarterback situations highlight the importance of depth at the position, especially in a league where injuries can quickly change a team’s outlook.
Green Bay’s decision to keep Willis on the roster demonstrates the coaching staff’s willingness to use experienced backups.
The Ravens’ reliance on Huntley underscores the need for a steady hand at the helm.
Season Stakes for Both Teams
The Packers, currently 9-5-1, clinched a playoff spot Thursday when the Detroit Lions lost 23-10 at Minnesota, but they still have incentive to keep winning to improve their seeding.
A victory in the Saturday game could position them to win the NFC North if they win their last two games and Chicago drops its final two.
The playoff race remains tight for the team.
Baltimore, with a 7-8 record, can make the playoffs only if it wins Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland on Sunday, and the Ravens win at Pittsburgh in Week 18.
The outcome of the game will have a direct impact on the Ravens’ playoff hopes, adding extra pressure to the matchup.
The team has been preparing for a high-stakes environment.
Both teams are aware that a single game can shift their trajectory, making the Saturday matchup a pivotal moment in the season.
The uncertainty at the quarterback position adds to the drama, as each team must decide who will lead them on the field.
The result could influence playoff positioning and team morale.
As the Packers and Ravens prepare for Saturday night, the decision on who will start will be made in the final days leading up to kickoff.
Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how each team’s depth charts play out.
The outcome of the game will have lasting implications for both teams’ playoff ambitions.
