Packers’ underrated piece makes a timely statement and demonstrates he has everything needed to take on a bigger role
Emanuel Wilson was one of the major reasons why the Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.
No Josh Jacobs, no problem for the Green Bay Packers. The starting running back missed Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to a knee bruise suffered against the New York Giants, but the running game didn’t miss a beat thanks to backup Emanuel Wilson.
The former undrafted weapon had 28 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to two receptions for 18 yards. He was a big part of the 23-6 win and proved he can have a bigger role even when Jacobs gets back.
Explosive element
Jacobs is a solid and efficient running back on a play-by-play basis, but he’s not the most explosive weapon out there. On Sunday, Wilson showed some good elements of that, frequently generating more yards than what the offensive line would give him.
“I just think it’s how he prepares,” head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game. “I think Ben [Sirmans, RBs coach] does a heck of a job with him. And the rest of our running backs, I think Josh [Jacobs] is a great mentor for him. And it’s pretty cool to watch his progression since he got here and how far he’s come.”
More than the production, Emanuel Wilson showed throughout the game that he’s a reliable piece to create extra yards.
“That first touchdown run, there’s a free hitter in the hole,” LaFleur added. “And for him to run with that low pad level, that’s something that we’re stressing to him all the time. Because he is a big, powerful back. He’s kind of unassuming at times, but he is powerful. And when you run with the right pad level, it just shows you what he’s capable of doing.”
Josh Jacobs is still a leader in the locker room and the unquestioned starter. He gave assurances that he will be back to play on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. But that doesn’t mean Emanuel Wilson can be a valuable piece of the offense — and the Vikings game let it clear he’s ready to be a real contributor moving forward.
This is also a big season personally for Wilson. With two accrued seasons in the NFL, he’s slated to become a restricted free agent next offseason. Maybe the Packers apply a tender, maybe he’s able to get a new deal in Green Bay or somewhere else. Either way, Wilson is capitalizing on his opportunities, and his bank account will soon see the results.
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