The Green Bay Packers are sitting at 9-3-1 with four games left in the 2025 regular season, and while that record has them in control of the NFC North and holding the No. 2 seed in the conference, the road ahead is anything but smooth. Literally.
Three of their final four games are on the road, and the next two are back-to-back away matchups. First up?
A trip to Denver to face the red-hot Broncos-winners of 10 straight and currently perched atop the AFC at 11-2. Oh, and for added context: the Packers haven’t beaten the Broncos in Denver since 2007.
So yeah, this one’s going to be a test.
And that test just got a little tougher.
Josh Jacobs Misses Practice with Knee Issue
On Wednesday, the Packers released their initial injury report ahead of the Denver game, and it had a little bit of everything-some encouraging signs, some red flags. The biggest concern? Star running back Josh Jacobs didn’t practice at all.
Jacobs, who’s been a key piece of Green Bay’s offense this season, is dealing with a knee issue that dates back to the Giants game two weeks ago. He left that game early with a knee contusion, and while he returned to the field last week against the Bears and played well-rushing 20 times for 86 yards and a touchdown-Wednesday’s absence raises some eyebrows.
Now, it’s worth noting that this could be a case of midweek maintenance. Veteran backs often get a lighter load during the week, especially late in the season. But with a matchup against one of the league’s top defenses looming, Jacobs’ status is definitely something to monitor.
Lukas Van Ness Returns to Practice
On the positive side, the Packers did get a boost on the defensive front. Lukas Van Ness, who’s been battling a foot injury, was back at practice on Wednesday. His return could be a big help against a Denver offense that’s been clicking during their 10-game win streak.
Van Ness brings energy and versatility to the Packers' defensive line, and his presence could be critical in disrupting Denver’s rhythm, especially if this game turns into a physical, grind-it-out kind of battle.
Jacobs' Impact Can’t Be Overstated
Let’s be clear: Josh Jacobs is more than just a name on the injury report. He’s been the engine of this Packers offense in key moments throughout the season. With 817 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns already under his belt, the three-time Pro Bowler is a constant threat to break open a game.
His ability to wear down defenses, extend drives, and punch it in near the goal line has been vital to Green Bay’s success. And against a Denver team that’s been suffocating opponents during their win streak, the Packers are going to need every bit of offensive firepower they can get.
If Jacobs is limited-or worse, unavailable-it puts added pressure on Jordan Love and the passing game to carry the load. That’s not an impossible ask, but it certainly tilts the balance heading into a game where every edge matters.
What’s Next
The Packers are in playoff position, but the margin for error is thin. With three road games in the final four weeks-including this daunting trip to Denver-health and execution will be everything.
Keep an eye on Jacobs’ status as the week progresses. If he’s back on the practice field Thursday or Friday, it’ll be a strong sign that Wednesday was just precautionary. But if he’s still sidelined, Green Bay’s game plan could look very different come Sunday.
One thing is certain: the Packers are entering a critical stretch of the season, and the outcome of these next few weeks will go a long way in determining whether they’re just playoff-bound-or legitimate contenders in the NFC.