The Packers are relying on Malik Willis under center in Week 2 while Jordan Love recovers from his MCL sprain. Injured reserve is not under consideration, and as a result a return to action within four weeks is possible. 
In the latest update on Love’s status, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the second-year starter is aiming to be back in place for Week 5 (video link). The injury is not as serious as it originally appeared, Rapoport adds, which is a positive sign. Love initially appeared to be facing a three-to-six week recovery timeline, so Week 5 would represent the best-case scenario in terms of taking the field.
Willis only made three starts during his three-year Titans tenure, all of which took place during his rookie campaign. The former third-rounder did not develop as hoped in Tennessee, but he was surprised he found himself on the move shortly before the start of the campaign. Willis, 25, spent the build-up to the regular season attempting to learn head coach Matt LaFleur‘s scheme and he will be counted on to operate the offense for a short-term period. Sean Clifford – who like Michael Pratt was among the Packers’ roster cuts – is in place as the team’s backup.
Love faced questions about his viability as Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers successor ahead of last season. After an inconsistent start to the 2023 campaign, the 25-year-old put up strong numbers down the stretch and through the postseason. In spite of his limited experience, Love joined a number of other young passers in securing a monster extension this offseason. He is now attached to a $55MM AAV, a figure which put him in a tie for the lead in that respect until Dak Prescott‘s new Cowboys deal was worked out.
Given the size of the commitment made by Green Bay to Love, the team will no doubt prefer to take a cautious approach with his return. Success with Willis at the helm could help the Packers elect to sit Love an extra game or so, but even without that their starting signal-caller should be back in relatively short order.