Packers still hope uncertain situation leans their way, and developing wrinkle becomes a key storyline ahead of Broncos game
Running back Josh Jacobs is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered against the Giants last month.
The Green Bay Packers had to handle a concerning situation this week, with running back Josh Jacobs missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday. It’s the same knee injury that Jacobs suffered a month ago against the New York Giants, and it got a little worse during the win over the Chicago Bears, but his knee is structurally sound.
On Friday, Josh Jacobs returned to practice, which is a good indication about his availability to face the Denver Broncos in Week 15.
“He’ll be out there,” head coach Matt LaFleur said before practice. “He’ll be out there in a limited capacity. We’ll see how he’s feeling. Just talking to him, it sounds like he’s feeling pretty good, so we’ll see how he responds to the practice.”
Packers injury report
Beyond Josh Jacobs, edge defender Lukas Van Ness (foot), linebacker Kristian Welch (concussion), and wide receiver Savion Williams (foot) are also listed as questionable — all of them were limited participants at practice throghout the week.
The three players ruled out are not on the active 53-man roster. Running back MarShawn Lloyd (calf/hamstring) and edge defender Brenton Cox (groin) are on injured reserve, while edge defender Collin Oliver (hamstring) is on the physically unable to perform list.
If Jacobs is healthy, he will play
When Jacobs initially suffered the bone bruise, he ended up missing the Minnesota Vikings game in Week 12 and returned in Week 13. Those games were perceived as a type of package because the Lions game happened in a short week, on Thanksgiving.
Now, that’s not really the case. So even though the Packers have an important divisional game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday in Week 16, Jacobs will play if he’s healthy enough to do so.
“Right now, where we’re at, we’re not looking any further than the game in front of our face,” LaFleur explained. “That’s where we’ll continue to keep the focus on this game.”
Behind Josh Jacobs, the Packers have strong depth. Backup Emanuel Wilson had 125 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings, and Chris Brooks is one of the best pass-protecting running backs in football. Moreover, practice squad back Pierre Strong Jr. still has one remaining elevation this regular season.
Another reason for long-term concern
Green Bay also opened MarShawn Lloyd’s practice window, but he’s not ready yet and has been ruled out for this week. The worse news, though, is a negative update on his injury report. Lloyd originally had a hamstring injury in the preseason.
However, he had been listed with a calf injury on the report lately. Now, he’s listed with both calf and hamstring injuries, and couldn’t practice on Friday. Lloyd won’t be activated this week, and if he’s not activated until Dec. 22, the back will be out for the rest of the season.
Safety Javon Bullard (ankle), edge defender Kingsley Enagbare (knee), wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist), wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder), defensive tackle Jordon Riley (knee), right tackle Zach Tom (back), wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle), and quarterback Jordan Love (left shoulder) are all off the injury report and will play.
Green Bay Packers News
Packers are handling lingering concern connected to one of their top offensive stars, and the situation may become a critical storyline
Running back Josh Jacobs has dealt with a knee injury for almost a month.
