Steelers Now
The Green Bay Packers have downgraded starting quarterback Jordan Love to out for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced on Friday, in a game that has plenty of playoff implications for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers will clinch the AFC North if the Packers beat or tie the Ravens on Saturday. They can also clinch the division with a win or tie against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Love has been in the NFL concussion protocol all week after leaving last week’s Packers loss to the Chicago Bears early. Malik Willis replaced him against Chicago and is again expected to start against the Ravens, though Willis is officially questionable to play with a right shoulder injury of his own and was limited in practice twice this week. Clayton Tune is the other quarterback on the Green Bay roster.
The Packers have clinched a spot in the postseason thanks to the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day, but remain alive in the NFC North race, a game and a half behind the Bears with two games to play. The Bears visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football and close with the Detroit Lions. The Packers have the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. Both Minnesota and Detroit have been eliminated from playoff contention.
Willis will likely be facing a backup on the other side of the ball, as well. Lamar Jackson left the Ravens’ Sunday Night Football loss to the New England Patriots early with a back injury and is doubtful to play against the Packers.
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is in line to make his second start of the season in place of Jackson. The former Pro Bowler has completed 76.6% of his passes and has a 101.3 passer rating this season;
The Packers and Ravens will kick off from Lambeau Field in Green Bay at 8 p.m. on Saturday, and the game will be broadcast on Peacock.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Battle of the Backups: Packers Scratch Jordan Love vs. Ravens in Game with Steelers Playoff Implications
