While there are conflicting reports, the Green Bay Packers are not expected to pursue a veteran quarterback, including free agent Ryan Tannehill, with Jordan Love sidelined due to a knee injury, according to Tom Pelissero from NFL Network.
Pelissero reports that the Packers will be looking to replace Malik Willis, who was acquired in a trade in slow August, and Sean Clifford, who was Love’s backup last season and is now on the practice squad.
The Packers expect Love to be without him for at least three weeks after he sprained his medial collateral ligament against the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener.
Dianna Russini from The Athletic reported The Packers have reached out to representatives for Tannehill, a veteran quarterback who is available and waiting for the right opportunity, but Pelissero’s report flatly contradicts Russini’s claims that they were pursuing other quarterbacks and had contacted Tannehill.
The Packers traded a seventh-round pick for Willis, who played in 11 games for the Tennessee Titans over two seasons. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that the Packers will start Willis while Love is out, starting with Sunday’s home opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
Willis has been in Green Bay for almost two weeks. He will have a full week of preparation before the Packers face the Colts next Sunday at Lambeau Field. Quarterbacks coach Tom Clements must prepare Willis, and Matt LaFleur must come up with a inventive game plan based on what Willis knows and does well.
Without the veteran incoming, Willis will have a chance to aid the Packers win a game or two with Love out. Green Bay will face the Colts, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings in the next three weeks.
Tannehill, who is still unsigned, has appeared in 151 games. He threw four touchdown passes and seven interceptions last season, leading the Titans to a 3-5 record in eight starts. He was replaced by rookie Will Levis.
