Jordan Love to Back Up Clayton Tune in Packers’ Injury-Ravaged Week 18
The Green Bay Packers are facing a chaotic Week 18 as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings. With starting quarterback Clayton Tune recovering from injury, all eyes are on Jordan Love, who is expected to serve as backup quarterback in case Tune cannot play.
According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, Love will be active on Sunday but the Packers plan to limit his snaps as much as possible, given that he is coming off a concussion.
Jordan Love’s Role in Sunday’s Game
Sources indicate that Love will act as the secondary backup to Clayton Tune against a blitz-heavy Vikings defense led by coach Brian Flores.
“With backups throughout the lineup, it’s almost impossible to believe the Packers would risk Love against the blitz-happy Vikings if pressed into duty,” a team source said.
If Love were to enter the game due to injury or other circumstances, the offense would likely simplify its approach, relying on straightforward handoffs: up the middle, to the left, or to the right, to limit exposure to high-pressure situations.
Backup Quarterback Injuries Force Packers’ Roster Shuffles
The Packers have been hit hard by injuries at multiple positions. Malik Willis, the typical starting backup, was listed as questionable with both shoulder and hamstring injuries. This forced Green Bay to call up Clayton Tune from the practice squad, but the team also considered bringing in Desmond Ridder, a mid-week practice squad addition.
Ultimately, Ridder was not elevated to the gameday roster, which is now a 48-man pool due to the extensive injuries. In total, the Packers had to make 21 roster moves just to field a team for Week 18, highlighting the depth crisis facing the franchise.
Additionally, six members of the 53-man roster were placed on injured reserve this week, meaning they will not return unless the Packers reach the Super Bowl.
Key Injuries Across the Packers Roster
The injury report shows multiple starters and key contributors sidelined or in question:
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Quarterback: Clayton Tune (starter), Jordan Love (backup, active), Malik Willis (questionable – shoulder/hamstring)
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Receiver: Dontayvion Wicks (doubtful – concussion)
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Offensive Line: Zach Tom (questionable – back/knee)
Even with practice-squad call-ups, the Packers can only “scratch” a maximum of seven players on Sunday, including injured players.
Packers’ Week 18 Roster Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at Green Bay’s Week 18 roster:
Quarterbacks:
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Jordan Love
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Malik Willis (questionable – shoulder/hamstring)
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Clayton Tune
Running Backs:
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Josh Jacobs
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Emanuel Wilson
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Chris Brooks
Wide Receivers:
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Romeo Doubs
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Christian Watson
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Jayden Reed
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Dontayvion Wicks (doubtful – concussion)
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Matthew Golden
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Jakobie Keeney-James
Tight Ends:
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Luke Musgrave
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Josh Whyle
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Drake Dabney
Offensive Line:
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Rasheed Walker
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Aaron Banks
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Sean Rhyan
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Anthony Belton
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Zach Tom (questionable – back/knee)
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Jordan Morgan
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Darian Kinnard
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Jacob Monk
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Lecitus Smith
Defensive Ends:
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Rashan Gary
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Kingsley Enagbare
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Lukas Van Ness
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Brenton Cox Jr.
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Barryn Sorrell
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Arron Mosby
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Collin Oliver
Defensive Tackles:
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Colby Wooden
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Karl Brooks
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Warren Brinson
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Nazir Stackhouse
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Jonathan Ford
Linebackers:
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Quay Walker
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Edgerrin Cooper
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Isaiah McDuffie
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Ty’Ron Hopper
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Jamon Johnson
Cornerbacks:
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Keisean Nixon
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Carrington Valentine
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Trevon Diggs
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Bo Melton
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Jaylin Simpson
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Shemar Bartholomew
Safeties:
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Xavier McKinney
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Evan Williams
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Javon Bullard
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Kitan Oladapo
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Jonathan Baldwin
Special Teams:
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Kicker: Brandon McManus
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Punter: Daniel Whelan
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Long Snapper: Matt Orzech
Challenges Facing the Packers Against the Vikings
Green Bay’s injury-depleted roster presents multiple challenges for Week 18:
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Quarterback uncertainty – Clayton Tune’s health is pivotal. Jordan Love’s concussion history raises concerns about exposure to a blitz-heavy Vikings defense.
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Limited offensive options – Injuries to receivers like Dontayvion Wicks reduce playmaking ability, forcing a reliance on simpler offensive schemes.
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Depth issues across the roster – Multiple injuries on the offensive line, defensive front, and linebacker corps limit the team’s flexibility in rotations.
The combination of injuries and limited depth creates a situation where even minor injuries on Sunday could force emergency lineup changes, potentially placing Love or Ridder in high-pressure roles.
Strategic Outlook
To mitigate the risk, the Packers are expected to adopt a conservative game plan if Tune cannot play:
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Simplified run-heavy offense to protect a backup QB.
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Reduced pre-snap motions and complex route combinations.
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Maximizing veteran experience in key positions to compensate for inexperience on the field.
This strategy is aimed at minimizing turnovers and exposure while still attempting to compete against the Vikings in Week 18.
Implications for Green Bay’s Season Finale
With the Packers facing a blitz-oriented Minnesota defense, the game will test their resiliency and depth. If Tune can play, the team may have a chance to compete despite the injuries. If Love or Ridder must step in, expect quick-hitting plays, handoffs, and simplified reads to keep the offense manageable.
Regardless of the outcome, Week 18 will serve as a stress test for the Packers’ roster depth and provide a glimpse of how the team can handle injuries heading into the offseason.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers enter their Week 18 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in a precarious situation. Injuries at multiple positions, including quarterback, receiver, and offensive line, have forced extensive roster shuffling and practice squad promotions.
Jordan Love, coming off a concussion, is set to serve as backup quarterback in case Clayton Tune cannot play. However, the Packers’ plan is to limit his exposure due to the high-risk matchup against a blitz-heavy Vikings defense.
With limited depth and a roster strained by injuries, the Packers will need to rely on conservative play-calling, veteran leadership, and a simplified offensive approach to navigate their season finale. Week 18 will be a test of resilience, preparation, and adaptability for Green Bay as they attempt to close out a challenging 2025-26 season.
