The Packers are heading into their matchup against the Broncos with a relatively clean bill of health - at least on the surface. Only three players have been officially ruled out: rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd and defensive ends Brenton Cox Jr. and Collin Oliver. All three are still practicing in Green Bay but remain stashed on injury lists, either injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list.
That trio’s status isn’t just a short-term concern. The team has one more week to activate them to the 53-man roster, or they’ll be locked into season-ending injured reserve. So while they’re not suiting up this weekend, their long-term availability is on the clock.
As for the rest of the roster, things get a bit more interesting.
Four players are listed as questionable for Sunday: running back Josh Jacobs (knee), wide receiver and return specialist Savion Williams (foot), defensive end Lukas Van Ness (foot), and linebacker Kristian Welch (concussion). Both Williams and Van Ness have missed the last two games, and Welch exited last week’s win over the Bears after entering concussion protocol.
The encouraging sign? Welch was a full participant in every practice this week - a strong indicator he’s trending toward being cleared.
But the biggest storyline here is Jacobs.
He’s been dealing with a knee bruise dating back to the Giants game, and this week marks the first time he’s faced a standard seven-day turnaround since the injury. He returned to practice Thursday and said he was feeling better, but the Packers are clearly still monitoring him closely.
Here’s where things get a little telling: despite Jacobs' questionable status, the team has already ruled out MarShawn Lloyd. That’s a notable move, because Lloyd would’ve been the logical next man up if Jacobs couldn’t go. With him out, the Packers’ options at running back thin out quickly.
Enter Pierre Strong Jr., currently on the practice squad. If Green Bay elevates Strong on Saturday, that could be the signal that Jacobs isn’t quite ready.
The front office doesn’t have to make that move until the day before the game, so keep an eye on Saturday’s transaction wire. If Strong gets the call-up, it likely means the Packers are preparing to go without their lead back.
If not, expect Jacobs to suit up and shoulder the load.
With minimal injuries elsewhere on the roster, the Packers have the flexibility to make that elevation if needed. But the decision - and what it says about Jacobs’ health - could loom large in a game where controlling the tempo and staying balanced offensively will be key.
Bottom line: Green Bay’s injury report is light, but the ripple effects of Jacobs' status could be significant.