Next up on the Indianapolis Colts’ schedule is a matchup on the road with the Green Bay Packers, who are likely going to be without their star quarterback.
Jordan Love would suffer an MCL sprain in the Packers’ Week 1 loss to Philadelphia. Ian Rapoport would report that Love could be sidelined for three weeks or so.
Although Matt LaFleur didn’t completely shut down the idea that Love could play against the Colts, Indianapolis is preparing for Packers’ backup Malik Willis.
#Colts DC Gus Bradley says they're preparing to face #Packers backup Malik Willis. Reminder that starter Jordan Love has an MCL injury and his status is unclear for Week 2. I'd be surprised if he plays, honestly.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 10, 2024
While Willis spent his first two NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley acknowledged that there is some unknown when it comes to game-planning for him.
For one, Willis just arrived in Green Bay about two weeks ago and is in a brand new system. In addition to that, he has only 67 regular season pass attempts in his short career.
To help take some of the burden off of Willis’ shoulders, one would think that the Packers will be quite willing to rely on their run game, especially after how poorly the Colts defended the run against Houston.
In the Packers’ Week 1 matchup, after a slow start, Josh Jacobs rushed for 87 yards at 5.4 yards per attempt.
Around Willis is a very talented group of pass catchers, with the Packers more than willing to throw he ball to any one of their six receivers on the 53-man roster. They also have a dynamic duo at tight end.
The Colts defense very well could be in for another difficult test in Week 2, even without Love under center for the Packers.
