Packers Make QB Move Ahead of Eagles Matchup
The Green Bay Packers finished third in the competitive NFC North, ending the regular season with an 11-6 record. However, two consecutive losses dropped them to the seventh seed in the NFC, setting up a Wild Card matchup on the road against the second-seeded Philadelphia Eagles. While the Packers’ playoff draw isn’t ideal, the team has also been dealing with injuries to starting quarterback Jordan Love and backup Malik Willis. Fortunately, both quarterbacks are off the injury report and expected to play on Sunday, but Green Bay decided to add extra depth to their quarterback situation for the game.
The Packers elevated Sean Clifford from the practice squad to the active roster as a precautionary move, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Love injured his right elbow in the season finale against the Chicago Bears, while Willis has been dealing with a sore right thumb. Both quarterbacks were limited in practice this week, but Love was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday. Despite their injuries, Love and Willis will suit up for the game in Philadelphia.
To play it safe, the Packers decided to add Clifford as an emergency third quarterback. This marks the third time this season that Clifford has been elevated to the active roster, although it’s the first time since Week 3. Clifford, drafted by the Packers in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Penn State, has appeared in two games for Green Bay during his rookie season before being waived and re-signed to the practice squad ahead of the 2024 season.
While the move provides some reassurance, if Clifford is called upon in the game, it would signal trouble for the Packers. Green Bay is counting on a standout performance from Love to have any chance of upsetting the Eagles. Love has proven himself in clutch situations, such as leading the Packers to a road win over the Dallas Cowboys in last year’s Wild Card round.
Another key player for the Packers is running back Josh Jacobs, who is viewed as a potential X-factor for the team in Sunday’s game. Jacobs’ impressive debut season in Green Bay gives some hope for their chances against Philadelphia, but the challenge remains formidable.
Philadelphia is nearly at full strength, with quarterback Jalen Hurts cleared from concussion protocol and ready to play. The two NFC teams will face off on Sunday at 4:30 PM EST.
Leave a Reply