The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 13 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Josh Jacobs missed last week’s game due to injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Josh Jacobs Playing Week 13?
Jacobs’ knee issue originated during the first half of Green Bay’s Week 11 road matchup against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. The veteran initially headed to the sideline for evaluation in the medical tent before making a brief return to action. However, Jacobs was unable to continue after jamming his knee into MetLife’s notorious playing surface.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Jacobs “returned briefly after jamming his knee into the MetLife turf before leaving for good” and noted “there’s optimism he’ll be back soon.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Rob Demovsky also suggested the injury was not believed to be season-ending.
Monday testing revealed no structural damage to Jacobs’ knee. He banged it and was unable to bend it for several days following the injury. X-rays confirmed his knee remained generally stable and intact.
Last week delivered positive developments as Jacobs participated in limited practice sessions Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday. Green Bay listed him as questionable on Friday’s final injury report. However, the Packers ultimately held Jacobs out for Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota, which proved to be the prudent decision.
Jacobs informed reporters Thursday of last week that the swelling in his knee had already decreased by 50 to 60 percent. “When you impact any area of your knee and it swells, it becomes difficult to bend,” Jacobs explained. “I could endure the pain, but I couldn’t execute the movements properly.”
Jacobs voiced confidence he wouldn’t be sidelined for more than one game. “Worst case if I don’t play this week, Thursday I’m definitely playing,” Jacobs stated. “It’s not like something that’ll linger over past that. That’s really the worst-case scenario.”
This week’s Monday estimated practice report listed Jacobs as a limited participant. The Packers didn’t conduct an actual practice Monday due to the short week. Green Bay faces Detroit on Thursday, creating another compressed preparation timeline.
Jacobs was removed from the final injury report and carries no designation into gameday. He will make his return today against the Lions. Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed optimism about Jacobs’ status when addressing reporters this week, and that confidence proved warranted as the veteran cleared all hurdles to suit up on Thanksgiving.
Jacobs’ Fantasy Football Outlook
During Jacobs’ absence, Emanuel Wilson seized the opportunity as the lead back. He delivered the first 100-yard rushing performance of the season for a Packers running back. Wilson carried 28 times for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns in his first career start. He also added two catches for 18 yards, finishing with 26.5 fantasy points.
The performance earned Wilson a FedEx Ground Player of the Week nomination. He became the first Packers player to rush for 100-plus yards and score two rushing touchdowns in his initial career start since Samkon Gado accomplished the feat in 2005.
Wilson clearly ranks among the top handcuffs in fantasy football. He’ll maintain a role with Jacobs back, but this remains Jacobs’ backfield. The veteran has been dominant when healthy this season, establishing himself as Green Bay’s featured back.
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Fantasy managers can confidently restore Jacobs to lineups even in a tough matchup against a Lions pass-funnel defense. Detroit enters as 2.5-point favorites, but this game carries massive NFC North implications. The victor could position themselves to challenge for the division lead.