The Green Bay Packers are entering the most pivotal portion of their 2025 schedule with star running back Josh Jacobs at less than perfect health.
Jacobs is the driving force behind the Packers’ offense, with 885 total yards and 11 touchdowns this season. The Packers’ star back exited last week’s win over the New York Giants with a knee contusion.
Green Bay has yet to rule out the possibility that Jacobs will participate in Sunday’s contest against the Vikings.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur displayed confidence that Jacobs’ injury is minor, stating, “It’s just more or less trying to get the swelling down.”
Despite an abundance of optimism, the Packers must sit Jacobs on Sunday to protect his long-term health.
Shaking Up the Offense
At 6-3-1, the Packers have played over half of their regular season games for the year. However, they have played just one of their 6 NFC North divisional matchups. Green Bay will face off against a division rival in five of the next seven weeks.
LaFleur can leverage Jacobs’ injury to create a spark in an offense that has been criticized for being stale and predictable. The Packers offense has failed to exceed 13 points in three losses this season. Any effort to make their offense harder to game plan against should be celebrated.
The Packers can minimize the risk of further injury to Jacobs and add variety to their offensive philosophy by resting their leading rusher on Sunday. Quarterback Jordan Love boasts a top-5 QBR and has proven capable of leading a less conservative offense.
LaFleur’s play calling has brought his trust of his quarterback into question, and this week he must put his trust of Love on display. LaFleur and Love have an opportunity to change the status quo and open up their offense with an aggressive passing attack on Sunday.
Running Back Depth
The offense should run through Love and the passing game with Jacobs sidelined. That does not mean that the Packers do not have capable fill-ins for their starting running back.
Backup Backs, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, stepped into the lineup following Jacobs’ departure and received praise from LaFleur for “owning their roles.”
Wilson’s relief performance included 49 total yards and a beautiful 11-yard touchdown run. The productive performance was a welcomed sight for a team that has grown increasingly dependent on their lead back.
An upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who rank just outside the bottom 10 in total rush defense, offer the perfect opportunity for Wilson to make a statement and expand his role.
Green Bay needs to turn Jacobs’ injury into an opportunity for team growth and allow other players to step up. Diversifying the team’s offensive philosophy now will best prepare the Packers for a post-season run in January.
Extra recovery time for Jacobs is an added bonus for a team that can’t afford to lose him long-term.
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