The Green Bay Packers’ hopes of making a deep playoff run took a notable blow in Week 15. A punishing loss to the Denver Broncos stalled their momentum and left them at 9-4-1 in the standings, a result that could loom large as the postseason picture tightens. The setback goes beyond the standings. Injuries are becoming an increasingly serious concern as Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons have both been ruled out for the remainder of the year. On top of that, RB Josh Jacobs’ status remains uncertain ahead of the upcoming matchup with the Chicago Bears. Here is what we know so far about Jacobs.
Will Josh Jacobs Play Against the Bears?
A consistent threat since joining the Packers from the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs has enabled the offense to become far more dynamic around quarterback Jordan Love. In his first year with the team, he had 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns.
This season, he’s been no slouch either, with 890 yards and 13 touchdowns through 13 games played. As a result, he’s ranked 13th on PFSN’s RB Impact for the season. But a lingering knee contusion has limited him throughout the year.
Against the Broncos on Sunday, the injury got worse after another hit. However, he was able to put together a strong overall performance despite the injury and loss, rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown, while also adding two receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown through the air.
“For me, it’s harder to watch games than it is to play hurt,” he said. “So, for me, I’d rather try to contribute in some type of fashion, even if it’s in a limited fashion, than just sit there and watch the whole time. I’ve always had that kind of mindset. Sometimes you’ve got to talk to yourself, man. It was hurting when I was running.”
On the Wednesday walkthrough, thanks to a short turnaround with the game against the Bears coming up on Saturday, Jacobs was listed as a non-participant. For a banged-up Packers team, he was one of many names on the extensive injury report.
“He’s battling through. This guy is as tough as they come. I will never count him out of a fight, I’ll tell you that, but if we were practicing today, he absolutely would not be practicing,” coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday.
As a result, he has confirmed that a game-time decision will ultimately determine whether Jacobs suits up against Chicago. After already taking a win against them, Green Bay would like to relax, but the playoff picture is nowhere close to being set in the NFC.
As a result, a brutal division demands the best from the squad. But as far as Jacobs is concerned, his mantra for the game is simple. “If it’s up to me, yeah, for sure I’m going to try to go.”
