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Packers Backup QB's strong 2025 preseason is a good thing for Packers, Jordan Love

 


Posted August 24, 2025 

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis was the team’s best QB of the 2025 preseason. In fact, it wasn’t particularly close, either.

Willis put a ribbon on his 2025 summer in the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, tossing a touchdown in a 20–7 Packers win at Lambeau Field. It wasn’t just the score; it was the command — clean mechanics, quick decisions, and a calm two-minute temperament that looked regular-season ready. 


The Packers brought Willis in to steady the quarterback room behind Jordan Love, and his August validated the bet. Inside 1265 Lombardi Ave., the takeaway is simple: a trustworthy QB2 lets Matt LaFleur manage Love’s workload, raises the quality of scout-team looks, and keeps the offense on schedule if adversity hits. Roster projections now slot Willis as the clear No. 2, with a younger passer earmarked for the practice squad. 

It’s been pretty obvious throughout training camp and the preseason that Willis currently has a tighter grasp on LaFleur’s system than the younger reserves, and there’s no doubt players believe in him when he’s in the huddle. Translation? He would be a fine starter for Green Bay if anything should happen to Love — whether it’s a short-term injury or protecting the franchise QB from unnecessary preseason snaps.

We’re a long way from any scenario where Love isn’t “the guy,” but it’s clear that Willis’s continued development has raised the standard in 2025. The Packers’ QB room is no longer Love-or-bust; Willis’s stock is rising almost as fast as his value inside the locker room.

If there’s one thing that helps NFL players — the real-deal players — reach their maximum upside, it’s competition. It’s also the fear of losing their job. For the first time in a while, there’s at least a little of that healthy pressure in Green Bay’s QB room. And, no, it won’t be a 2025 QB1 controversy. The Packers will ride with Love while Willis sharpens the room and keeps the offense ready. But if the moment ever calls? Or if the offense needs a steady hand for a stretch? All options are on the table.

The awesome Malik Willis story could reach new heights if the unexpected happens. Love has as strong a competitive spirit as anyone on the roster, and if anything will keep him razor-sharp in a division race, it’s the surging, steady presence of Willis right behind him.

TIME CHANGE: How to Watch 49ERS vs BUCCANEERS in Week 6 - TV, Streaming, Kickoff Info
We are announcing a change in the schedule for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. This game has been flexed by the NFL to optimize the broadcast schedule, ensuring the best experience for fans across the United States and internationally. Reason for the Change Optimized Broadcast Schedule: The NFL has moved this game to a primetime slot to attract a larger audience on national television networks. Team Performance: With both teams boasting an impressive 4-1 record after five weeks, this matchup is considered one of the week's most exciting, deserving a high-viewership time slot. Original schedule (before the flex) Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT) on Sunday, October 12, 2025.  pdated schedule (after the flex) Matchup: San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 12, 2025 (local time in Tampa, Florida, equivalent to 1:25 PM PT) Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida How to Watch (U.S.) TV: CBS — Late national window (4:25 PM ET)Projected crew: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson Streaming: Paramount+ (with Live TV): Streams your local CBS channel (availability varies by market) YouTube TV / other vMVPDs: Watch via your local CBS affiliate (if carried) Out-of-market: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube/YouTube TV for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games Radio Coverage 49ers (English): Flagships (Bay Area): KNBR 680 AM and 107.7 The Bone (KSAN-FM) Also available via the 49ers Radio Network and the 49ers app/website Example local listing: 1:25 PM PT Buccaneers (English): Flagship (Tampa Bay): WXTB 97.9 FM (98 ROCK) — Gene Deckerhoff, Dave Moore, T.J. Rives SiriusXM: Channel 226 (home-team feed) Bucs Radio Network: Statewide and regional affiliates (full frequency list available via team channels) Note: Over-the-air TV/radio coverage varies by location. Share your city/county and we’ll filter the local listings for you. Betting Snapshot (as of Oct 9, 2025 — subject to change) Spread: 49ers −3.5 Over/Under: 42.5 Moneyline: 49ers −165 / Buccaneers +140Check your preferred sportsbook for the latest numbers. Stay Updated For regional broadcast maps, game-week details, and fan events, visit the official team channels and follow on social media. International viewers should confirm local carriage and blackout rules with their providers.   We look forward to your passionate support for this crucial matchup! Let’s cheer on the 49ers as they continue their journey in the 2025 season!