The Green Bay Packers have jumped into the NFL’s page one headlines on Tuesday due to quarterback Jordan Love‘s thumb injury. With backup Malik Willis now set to be QB1 until Love’s return, which is said to be before the team’s Week 1 opener, Willis is confident that the team will continue to practice at a high level and adequately prepare themselves for their final preseason games.
Green Bay Packers, Packers quarterbacks, Taylor Elgersma, Malik Willis, Jordan Love
Jun 11, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2), quarterback Jordan Love (10) and quarterback Taylor Elgersma (19) participates in the team’s minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love to Have Thumb Surgery
Tuesday afternoon, news broke that Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love was having a surgical procedure on his thumb. Less than a month before the NFL season officially begins, Love suffered the injury on Saturday during a play against the New York Jets, which was the team’s first preseason contest of the year.
On a play where Love attempted to climb the pocket and escape pressure, he was engulfed by Jets defenders and sacked. Love’s left hand contacted the helmet of Jets defensive linemen Jay Tufele, resulting in what general manager Brian Gutekunst described as a “ligament thing.”
Packers
Aug 9, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) calls a play during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
The injury will sideline Love for the remainder of camp, but the team is currently optimistic that Love will be back in time before their season opener on September 7th. Luckily, the ligament is on his non-throwing hand, meaning it should not be too bothersome for too long.
Meanwhile, the team will now be led by backup quarterback Malik Willis, who will take the first team through reps in practice in Love’s absence.
green bay packers, malik willis
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis. Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Packers Backup QB Malik Willis Reacts to Jordan Love Injury
With Willis is set to lead the team as QB1 for the rest of camp, the QB was asked by the media about what the immediate future holds for the team. Willis downplayed the significance of the injury and said that the team was more than resilient enough to battle through Love being down for “a couple days.”
“If this team can’t handle one person being down for a couple days then I think we’re in more trouble than worrying about what I should do.”
#Packers backup QB Malik Willis spoke to the media after we learned that Jordan Love is going through a procedure on his left thumb:
“If this team can’t handle one person being down for a couple days then I think we’re in more trouble than worrying about what I should do.” pic.twitter.com/qkKc7aWjKd
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) August 12, 2025
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2)
Nov 3, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Furthermore, Willis preached mental toughness for the entire offense. While acknowledging the outsized responsibility of the quarterback, the former Tennessee Titans draft pick remains confident that all eleven players, including him, will be able to continue doing their jobs at a high level.
“It’s not really about [me], it’s about going out and playing ball, all eleven working together.”
Willis should have the trust of many Packers players given his steady performances in 2024. When Love dealt with an MCL sprain in the early stages of last season, Willis was able to play well and help the team win several games without their leader.
Green Bay Packers Chris Brooks
Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) hands the ball to running back Chris Brooks (30) during pregame warmups before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Of course, it’s never good when a team’s starting QB has any health issues, but if Packers fans are willing to listen to Willis, there isn’t too much to worry about as the preseason wraps up and the real season begins.
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