With Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love dealing with a minor thumb injury, Malik Willis is getting run with the first team offense. Love should reportedly be back in the saddle next week, but he won’t see any more preseason game action.
That leaves Willis as the de facto “starter” for the remainder of the preseason. The added reps could be significant for Willis as he continues to adapt to the Packers’ system — and as Matt LaFleur continues to concoct the “Willis version” of his offense, should he need it during the regular season.
Taking snaps with the first-team unit also offers Willis more opportunities to develop rhythm with top targets like Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft — something backup quarterbacks rarely get in camp.
Rob Demovsky of ESPN reported this week on Willis’ performance with the first team offense. Speaking at his locker, RB Josh Jacobs had this to say: “If you ask me, it’s no way that this guy shouldn’t be ... starting somewhere [in the NFL].”
Willis is in the final year of his rookie contract, and some strong preseason performances could go a long way toward convincing a GM of just that.