After star quarterback Jordan Love sustained a knee injury on the final play of Week 1’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers’ chances of contending for the Super Bowl quickly diminished, leaving doubts about whether they could even secure a playoff spot.
Love’s injury initially appeared so serious that many speculated he would miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. He was visibly in pain, rolling on the field, and had to be helped off, raising concern for the franchise’s leader.
Fortunately, the severity of Love’s injury seems less than first feared, and he may return sooner than anticipated. In the meantime, the Packers are relying on backup quarterback Malik Willis. Although Willis didn’t make much impact in Week 2’s victory over the Colts, he stood out in Week 3, leading the team to a win against the Titans. Willis made Packers history by rushing for 73 yards—the highest by a Green Bay quarterback in the past 30 years.
Most rush yards in a game for a Packers QB over last 30 years
Malik Willis 73 (Sunday)
Brett Hundley 66 (2017 Week 13)
Aaron Rodgers 60 (2016 Week 8)
Brett Favre 58 (1994 Week 9) pic.twitter.com/UgVCGI8Fjq— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 22, 2024
Malik Willis made Packers history on September 22, 2024, during their Week 3 win against the Tennessee Titans. With star quarterback Jordan Love sidelined due to a knee injury from Week 1, which initially appeared severe enough to end his season, Willis stepped in as the Packers’ starting QB.
Though his performance in Week 2 was underwhelming, Willis made a significant impact in Week 3, rushing for 73 yards—the most by a Packers quarterback in the last 30 years. His dual-threat ability shined, offering Green Bay hope that their season wasn’t derailed despite Love’s injury.
As Love’s recovery progresses, it remains uncertain if he’ll return for the Packers’ upcoming game against their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. If not, Willis will once again have to lead the team and prove his performance wasn’t a one-time event.
