While conflicting reports exist, the Green Bay Packers are not expected to pursue a veteran quarterback, including free agent Ryan Tannehill, while Jordan Love is out recovering from a knee injury, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Pelissero reports the Packers will move forward with backups Malik Willis, who was acquired via trade in late August, and Sean Clifford, who backed up Love last season and is now on the practice squad.
The Packers are expecting to be without Love for at least three weeks after he sprained his MCL against the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported the Packers reached out to reps of Tannehill, a veteran starter who is available and waiting for the right opportunity, but Pelissero’s report strongly refutes Russini’s on both pursuing other quarterbacks and reaching out to Tannehill.
The Packers traded a seventh-round pick for Willis, who played in 11 games with the Tennessee Titans over two seasons. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported the Packers will start Willis while Love is out, starting next Sunday in the home opener vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
Willis has been in Green Bay for the better part of two weeks. He’ll get a full week of prep before the Packers face the Colts next Sunday at Lambeau Field. It’ll fall on quarterbacks coach Tom Clements to get Willis ready and Matt LaFleur to craft a creative gameplan built around what Willis knows and what he does well.
Without a veteran incoming, Willis will get a chance to help the Packers win a game or two with Love out of action. Green Bay faces the Colts, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings over the next three weeks.
Tannehill, who remains unsigned, has stared 151 career games. Last season, he threw four touchdown passes and seven interceptions while leading the Titans to a 3-5 record over eight starts. He was replaced by rookie Will Levis.