GREEN BAY – Packers quarterbacks Jordan Love (concussion protocol/left shoulder) and Malik Willis (illness/right shoulder) are among seven questionable for Saturday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Others questionable include tackle Zach Tom (back/knee), center Sean Rhyan (knee/illness), receiver Christian Watson (shoulder/illness), safety Evan Williams (knee), and cornerback Bo Melton (illness)
Green Bay has ruled out linebacker Kristian Welch (ankle) and guard John Williams (back), who’s designated to return from the physically unable to perform list.
The Ravens listed starting quarterback Lamar Jackson doubtful with a back injury that held him out of practice this week. Tyler Huntley would start in Jackson’s place if he can’t play Saturday.
Love was listed as limited this week after sustaining a concussion on Austin Booker’s helmet-to-helmet hit in the second quarter of last Saturday’s 22-16 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears.
Per NFL rules, Love was unable to speak to the media this week due to being in the concussion protocol. However, both Head Coach Matt LaFleur and Watson said this week Love was making progress.
“He’s looked really good,” Watson said. “From everything that I’ve talked to him about, he feels like he’s in a good spot. Obviously, he’s gotta clear everything. I think he’s just approaching it like a normal week in terms of how he’s going about everything and then obviously he’ll just let the medical staff take care of the rest.
“But he’s looked like J-Love out there, so obviously if he does get the opportunity to play on Saturday, I know he’ll be ready to go.”
Stepping in for Love, Willis completed 9-of-11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown (142.8 passer rating) while scrambling 10 times for 44 yards. He injured his shoulder during a Montez Sweat sack on the final play of regulation but finished the game.
Willis told reporters on Tuesday he expected to be available, if needed, against Baltimore but then missed practice on Wednesday due to an illness that’s been going through the locker room. He returned on Thursday in a limited capacity.
If either Love or Willis isn’t available, Green Bay could elevate third-year veteran Clayton Tune off the practice squad. A former fifth-round pick by Arizona, Tune signed with the Packers prior to the start of the regular season.
“He’s been doing a great job,” LaFleur said. “He’s been traveling with us on the road. He’s gotta pretty good grasp. He’s a smart guy. He attacks it the right way. He spends a ton of time with Sean Mannion post-practice trying to get extra reps, trying to work on his fundamentals and techniques.”
In addition to their respective injuries, Watson and Rhyan did not practice Thursday due to illness and are questionable to play. Melton missed all three practices this week for the same reason and is also questionable.
Evan Williams missed the Bears game due to a sprained MCL but practiced this week in a limited capacity. He told reporters on Tuesday he’s feeling optimistic. If Williams can’t go, Green Bay would turn to Javon Bullard again at deep safety.
Bullard, who’s been the Packers’ starting nickelback all season, had 10 tackles and pass deflection in Chicago.
“It speaks a lot to him, just his ability,” LaFleur said. “There are some similarities between the nickel position and playing safety but to go out there and do it, especially for a young player, I think is pretty remarkable. Bull, one thing you know about him is you’re going to get his all every time he goes out on the field.”
The Packers will have tight end Josh Whyle (concussion protocol) available against the Ravens after he was a full participant in practice Thursday. He and Luke Musgrave are currently the only tight ends on Green Bay’s 53-man roster.
In addition to Whyle, the Packers didn’t issue a game status for the following players who will be available: running back Josh Jacobs (knee), receivers Romeo Doubs (wrist), Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), and Savion Williams (foot), guard Aaron Banks (neck), and defensive linemen Lukas Van Ness (foot), Arron Mosby (ankle), defensive linemen Collin Oliver (hamstring), Jordon Riley (ankle), and Quinton Bohanna (illness).
Baltimore ruled out defensive tackle Taven Bryan (knee) after being added to injury report Thursday while linebacker Jay Higgins (knee/injured reserve) is questionable.
Baltimore didn’t issue a game status for the following players who will be available: safety Kyle Hamilton (ankle), and running back Keaton Mitchell (calf), cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (foot), guard Andrew Vorhees (foot) and receiver DeAndre Hopkins (veteran rest).
