The Green Bay Packers turned to Malik Willis against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. This high-stakes matchup opened with urgency and nerves. Willis brought energy, movement, and belief right away. Then came a scare. After a non-contact shoulder issue, he sprinted to the Packers’ locker room for evaluation, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. He earned the start with Jordan Love out due to a concussion. Moments later, relief arrived. Willis ran back onto the field after the check, drawing cheers and sending one message to the huddle: he was not done.
With the Packers trailing 27–17 late in the third quarter, he had already delivered his biggest spark. On a read-option keeper, Willis kept the ball and sold the fake with patience. He froze the edge defender, cut inside, and sprinted 11 yards untouched into the end zone. It was clean execution. It was speed and timing at full tilt. A rushing score that landed like a statement.
What it means for the Packers
The final score told a different story. The Packers lost 41–24 and dropped their third straight, unable to slow the Ravens late. In particular, much of that swing came courtesy of Derrick Henry’s four-touchdown night, which powered Baltimore’s finish and controlled the tempo. Even so, Willis produced for the Packers. He threw for 288 yards and one touchdown, extended plays, and kept competing after the shoulder scare. He went out, came back, and went right back into the fight.
Still, the season continues. The Packers had already clinched a playoff berth before kickoff after the Detroit Lions’ Christmas Day loss to the Vikings. So the defeat stings, but it does not end anything. Green Bay is postseason-bound, even after this slide.
From here, the focus shifts from panic to polishing. Health. Rhythm. Edges that need sharpening before January. And now one question moves with the Packers into the playoffs under the cold lights: after showing this toughness and production, how big can Malik Willis make the next moment?
