The Green Bay Packers are heading into Week 15 with a cautious sense of optimism-particularly when it comes to their backfield. And while nothing’s official yet, all signs are pointing toward Josh Jacobs being available when the Packers host the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Jacobs is currently listed as questionable with a knee injury, but according to reports, the expectation is that he’ll suit up. He didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday, but that absence seems more about managing his workload than any major red flag. Green Bay has a quick turnaround with another game looming just six days later against the Bears, and the coaching staff is clearly walking the line between urgency and long-term availability.
If Jacobs does play-as expected-it’s a big deal for an offense that’s leaned heavily on his presence all season. He’s been the steady hand behind a young and still-developing passing game, bringing a level of physicality and consistency that’s hard to replace. Whether it’s grinding out tough yards on early downs or keeping the chains moving in high-leverage spots, Jacobs has been the engine that keeps this offense humming.
Even if he's not at 100%, Jacobs on the field forces defenses to respect the run, which opens things up for the rest of the offense. His ability to absorb contact, extend drives, and wear down opposing fronts has been a difference-maker-and if he’s available in any capacity, it changes the way Denver has to approach this matchup.
Behind Jacobs, though, things get a little murkier. Backup Emanuel Wilson is also questionable, but for a completely different reason.
He came down with a virus and was sent home from the facility on Saturday after showing symptoms. He’s receiving treatment, and the team will monitor how he feels leading up to kickoff.
That means the Packers could be walking a tightrope at running back. If either Jacobs or Wilson can't go-or if either is limited more than expected-depth becomes a real concern. But for now, the expectation is that Jacobs will tough it out, which fits the mold of how he’s operated all year: reliable, physical, and willing to carry the load when it matters most.
And it matters now. The Packers are still very much in the playoff hunt, and every game from here on out carries serious weight. Having Jacobs in the lineup-even at less than full strength-gives them a fighting chance to keep their postseason hopes alive.