Early in Saturday night’s game, Packers quarterback Jordan Love exited to be evaluated for a concussion. By the start of the second half, he had been ruled out for the remainder of the game. 
Backup Malik Willis has taken over quarterback duties, and that will remain the case the rest of the way. The Love news obviously marks a major blow to Green Bay in Week 16’s critical divisional matchup against Chicago. It could also have an impact beyond tonight’s contest, though.
It is rare for players to clear concussion protocol in time to play during the week immediately following a diagnosis. As a result, an absence of at least one game is commonplace. Presuming Love finds himself in the protocol, he will therefore be in serious danger of missing the Packers’ Week 17 game against the Ravens.
Green Bay entered Saturday as the NFC’s seventh seed with a record of 9-4-1. Chicago, meanwhile, came into the game leading the division at 10-4. With pole position in the NFC North down the stretch at stake, the Packers have now been dealt a notable blow on offense. Of course, this development comes just days after Micah Parsons tore his ACL. The blockbuster trade acquisition will not return in 2025, hindering Green Bay’s pass rush moving forward.
Love will face a much shorter timeline in his recovery. Still, the possibility of missing next week’s game will make for a major storyline over the coming days. Regardless of tonight’s outcome, the closing stages of the season will be critical in deciding Green Bay’s spot in the NFC playoff picture. Having Love available would be key, although Willis has generally flashed potential during his time with the Packers.
Acquired via trade last August, the former Titans draftee made seven appearances (including two starts) in 2024. Willis’ entrance into tonight’s game marks his third showing of the season. The 26-year-old is set to see his rookie contract expire this spring. As such, a strong performance while briefly atop the depth chart will help establish his value ahead of a free agent period set to be devoid of desirable veterans under center.
Love’s Green Bay future is far more certain. The 2020 first-rounder has a $55MM-per-year contract which runs through 2028. For the immediate term, though, it remains to be seen when he will be back in the lineup.