The Green Bay Packers will square off against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in Week 17, and Matt LaFleur’s squad will be without starting quarterback Jordan Love.

Love left the Packers‘ Week 16 defeat to the Chicago Bears early due to a concussion and was ruled out for Saturday’s contest versus the Ravens. That means Malik Willis will take over as the starter for Green Bay.

Willis has made a few appearances for the Packers over the last two years, but let’s get to know Green Bay’s reliable backup quarterback.

Who is Malik Willis?

Wills began his college career at Auburn, but transferred after just two seasons with the Tigers due to a lack of playing time. The dynamic signal-caller committed to Liberty, where he tossed 47 touchdowns and 18 interceptions with 27 scores on the ground as well.

After the 2021 season, Willis entered the 2022 NFL Draft and was selected in the third round by the Tennessee Titans.

Entering the league, Willis had a ton of hype around him, but his tenure with the Titans was short-lived and underwhelming. He spent just two years in Tennessee, making three starts and never throwing a touchdown pass.

After the 2024 preseason, where he showed improvement and promise, Willis was traded to the Packers to be Love’s backup. 

Though he wasn’t expected to play a pivotal role, Willis was thrown into the fire during Weeks 2 and 3 of the 2024 season after Love went down with an injury. In those two starts, Willis dazzled, winning both games against the Indianapolis Colts and his former team, the Titans.

Willis finished the 2024 campaign with three touchdown passes, no interceptions, and a 74.1% completion rate. He also added a rushing touchdown.

So far in 2025, Willis hasn’t made a start, but he’s still played well when tasked to fill in for Love. The 26-year-old is now set for his first start of the season against the Ravens in a game Green Bay must win to stay alive in the NFC North division race.

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