The Green Bay Packers’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sao Paolo, Brazil, ended on a sour note when starting quarterback Jordan Love sustained a knee injury on the final drive. Love’s injury came just before the game’s two final desperation plays, leaving newly acquired quarterback Malik Willis, in his first action since joining the team from the Titans, to close out the game. Willis, clearly unprepared, threw an incomplete pass and took a sack, sealing the Packers’ 34-28 defeat.
The Packers later revealed that Love suffered a strain in his MCL, one of the ligaments in his knee. The good news: it’s not an ACL tear, meaning Love will avoid season-ending surgery. The bad news: Love is expected to miss between 3-6 weeks, which could derail the Packers’ early-season aspirations.
Willis, while athletic and known for his running ability, may not be ready to take over full-time duties. The Packers need a passer who can command the offense in Love’s absence, and they may turn to a familiar name on the market—Bailey Zappe, a former Patriots starter currently on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.
Bailey Zappe: A Familiar Face
CBS Sports recently reported that Zappe could be a potential solution for the Packers during Love’s recovery. Zappe, drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, impressed in his rookie year when he temporarily replaced Mac Jones due to injury. In his debut at Lambeau Field against the Packers, Zappe completed 10 of 15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, pushing the game into overtime.
Zappe eventually started eight games across two seasons for the Patriots, posting a 4-4 record while playing for struggling teams. Though his sophomore season was less impressive—Zappe threw nine interceptions to just six touchdowns, with a quarterback rating of 68.7—he showed flashes of potential and earned praise from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for his strong arm and poise.
Now on the Chiefs’ practice squad, Zappe could be a strong candidate for the Packers should they decide to make a move. His familiarity with the Packers’ coaching staff and previous success in Green Bay could make him an ideal fit during Love’s recovery.
Packers in Trouble?
With Love sidelined for several weeks, the Packers are at risk of a rough start to their 2024 campaign. Willis, an exciting but raw talent, is still developing as a passer. Should the team lose faith in his ability to command the offense, the door could open for a more experienced option like Zappe to step in.
In a worst-case scenario, the Packers could face an 0-7 record by the time Love returns to action. But with a stable option like Zappe, there’s hope that Green Bay can steady the ship and keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Packers need to make a decision quickly, as Love’s absence looms over the upcoming games. Will Green Bay bet on Willis, or will they pursue a familiar face in Zappe to fill the void? Time is ticking, and the Packers’ season hangs in the balance.
