The Pittsburgh Steelers, who need the Green Bay Packers to win on Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens to clinch a playoff berth one day earlier, will not see Jordan Love as the starting quarterback for the green and gold.
Love, who was limited in three straight practices, could not clear concussion protocol in time to play the Ravens at home. As a result, Willis, who was also questionable to play with a right shoulder injury and an illness, is expected to start.
On top of that, the team did not elevate third string quarterback Clayton Tune from the practice squad, which is a sign that Willis will suit up to start.
With Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson doubtful to play with a ‘significant back contusion’ that leaves Snoop Huntley as the likely starter for Baltimore on the road.
If the Ravens lose the game, the Steelers will clinch a playoff spot, and by virtue of that, the AFC North division title. it would render Sunday’s game against the Browns and the next week’s game against the Ravens as rather meaningless.
There is still a slight chance the Steelers can end up as the three seed instead of the four seed, but it would take more than a few things falling in their favor for that to happen.