The first NFL game in Brazil between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles had everything you could ask for in a football game - stars, big plays, last minute drama. It was NEARLY perfect until the very end of the game, when Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love suffered a potential knee injury. 

 

 

 

Jordan Love Injury Outlook

We are still waiting for confirmation on whether the injury to Jordan Love is serious or not but you can watch the video for yourself if you choose (warning, not for the faint of heart).

The worst-case scenario would be structural damage like an ACL, MCL, LCL, meniscus, or patellar tendon injury? Best case of course would be a sprain that sees minimal missed time for the star quarterback. In the meantime, let’s look at the Packers backup options and discuss the possible fantasy football implication if Jordan Love’s injury does prove to be serious.

 

 

 

Malik Willis, QB, Green Bay Packers

There was some hype surrounding Malik Willis leading in to the 2022 NFL Draft - especially in the fantasy football community. Willis’s back-to-back rushing seasons of 944 yards and 14 TDs then 878 yards and 13 TDs at Liberty are a big reason for that. But NFL teams weren’t as interested as he inevitably fell to the third round of the NFL Draft. 

He never really panned out with the Tennessee Titans and was traded to the Packers this offseason for a symbolic 7th round pick rather than being released.

Fantasy Football Implications

If Willis were to get the job, his mobility would certainly be interesting for fantasy gamers. But his lack of pure passing ability would not be ideal for the Green Bay Packer weapons we were banking on. Especially considering how much they spread the ball around in this first game.

 

 

 

Sean Clifford, QB, Green Bay Packers

Sean Clifford was actually drafted by the Packers himself in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft so he’s the “homegrown” option. He’s likely viewed as the better passer than Malik Willis right now and he also offers decent athleticism with a 40 time that’s in the 84th percentile for QBs per Player Profiler. 

As this is his only second year in the league, he doesn’t offer all that much more experience than Willis though he’s at least been with the team for over a year rather than Willis who hasn’t even been with the team for two full weeks.

Fantasy Football Implications

Clifford would have less standalone appeal than Malik Willis if you lost Jordan Love and are looking to add a QB off the waiver wire. He just doesn’t have that mobile upside. However, you are banking on guys like Jayden Reed or Romeo Doubs, he’s likely the better passer in this offense as he’s more familiar with the system.

 

 

 

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Free Agent

Ryan Tannehill is likely the best option floating around in free agency right now. Not only does he have by far the best track record and statistical career, but he also has a QB7 overall season on his resume. Every year we have a couple of players that COULD sign on in a backup capacity but opt to hang by the phone and wait for their chance to emerge via injury. This could be the exact opportunity for Tannehill to sign on.

Fantasy Football Implications

If the injury to Jordan Love is season-ending, the Packers should have Tannehill in the building by Monday. The other options like Mike White or Blaine Gabbert simply don’t stack up to the caliber of player Tannehill is. The veteran could honestly thrive in an offense of this caliber so he’s the best option both for the success of the Packers pass catchers and as replacement for Jordan Love in your lineups.