One of the NFL’s most critical yet often overlooked positions is backup quarterback. This importance became glaring for the Green Bay Packers, who lost starting quarterback Jordan Love to an MCL sprain, forcing them to rely on Malik Willis. Willis, who was traded to Green Bay at the end of training camp, will now take the reins as the Packers’ starter, with Sean Clifford elevated from the practice squad to serve as backup.
Willis, entering his fourth season in the NFL, has only three career starts under his belt, going 1-2 in those outings. The pressure is on the former third-round pick to deliver and keep the Packers’ playoff hopes alive. However, if Willis falters, the team may need to explore other options—starting with free-agent quarterback P.J. Walker.
Could Ex-Bears QB P.J. Walker Be the Packers’ Stopgap Solution?
Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team recently highlighted Walker as a potential option for the Packers. Walker, 29, spent time with the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns in 2023 before signing with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2024 offseason, though he was released before the season began.
Walker’s career stats are less than stellar. He boasts a 60.0 passer rating, with six touchdowns and 16 interceptions. However, Brooke argues that Walker’s experience and ability to make plays—despite his inconsistency—might make him a serviceable stopgap for the Packers while Love recovers.
“If the Packers want a more seasoned veteran with starting experience, P.J. Walker is one of the more interesting free-agent quarterbacks on the market,” Brooke explained.
While Walker isn’t a game-changing option, he could provide a short-term solution for a Packers team with playoff aspirations. Walker’s ability to improvise and make plays could at least give Green Bay a chance to win in Love’s absence, especially if Willis struggles.
Packers Holding Out Hope for Quick Love Return
Despite the concerns over the backup quarterback situation, the Packers remain hopeful that Jordan Love’s injury won’t sideline him for long. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Love’s injury is expected to keep him out for three to four weeks, with no surgery required.
The Packers’ decision not to place Love on injured reserve signals optimism that he could return sooner rather than later. However, with critical games on the horizon, Green Bay will need to stay afloat until their starting quarterback is ready to return.
I asked Dante Pettis about this throw from Tyson Bagent.
Pettis: “A dot. I knew it when I saw it. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is perfect.’ He couldn’t have walked out there and handed it to me any better.”
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/vxbFqpIokr
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 17, 2024
Bears’ Backup Situation More Secure with Bagent
Across the NFC North, the Chicago Bears have their own quarterback duo that looks more stable. Second-year quarterback Tyson Bagent secured the QB2 role behind rookie starter Caleb Williams. Bagent stepped up last season, going 2-2 in four starts and showcasing his potential during the 2024 preseason.
While Williams struggled in his Week 1 debut against the Tennessee Titans, the Bears seem confident in Bagent’s ability to step in if needed, leaving the Packers in a much more precarious spot with Willis. If Green Bay’s backup quarterback issues persist, it could have a significant impact on their playoff trajectory this season.
The Road Ahead for the Packers
As Jordan Love recovers, the Packers are rolling the dice with Malik Willis. However, if Willis doesn’t rise to the occasion, Green Bay may be forced to look to free agents like P.J. Walker to keep their season on track. The next few weeks will be pivotal as the Packers look to navigate a potential quarterback crisis and stay competitive in the NFC North.
