Fantasy football managers are on edge after a recent development concerning Josh Jacobs‘ playing status. The Packers’ star back exited early in Week 11, fueling speculation about his availability moving forward. While the team has shared positive signs, the full extent and nature of the setback remain under wraps.
Stay tuned for updates, as this could have a major impact on fantasy lineups for Week 12 and beyond.
Josh Jacobs Injury Update
There was initial concern that Jacobs had suffered a significant knee injury in the Green Bay Packers’ win over the New York Giants in Week 11. Jacobs was injured in the first half and did not return to the field.
Thankfully, additional testing found that Jacobs’ knee was structurally sound and the injury was ultimately a knee bruise. On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur stated that Jacobs has a chance to play in Week 12 if the team can control the swelling.
If Jacobs can’t play, then Emanuel Wilson would become the lead back for the Green Bay Packers. Wilson won’t provide fantasy managers the same RB1 production they expect from Josh Jacobs (RB7, 18.1 PPR points per game), but he can be a solid RB2 with the proper game script.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Jacobs Fantasy Outlook
Jacobs was effective on his first seven carries over the weekend against the Giants (40 yards), but a knee injury removed him from the game, and he was never able to return.
Green Bay’s RB1 has yet to miss a game since being acquired and has missed a total of 10 games in his six-plus professional seasons. Given the nature of the playoff race in the NFC, the Packers don’t exactly have much room for error, and with the bye well behind them, they are very motivated to be aggressive here.
READ MORE: Soppe’s Week 12 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Analysis for Every Player in Every Game
Emanuel Wilson (11-yard touchdown on Sunday after Jacobs departed) is the speculative add to make. The Packers play on Thanksgiving after this week, giving them a mini bye ahead of a favorable spot in Week 14 against the Bears at Lambeau.
The hope is that this isn’t a serious injury and that you’ll have your top-10 RB back before long. Wilson would serve as the lead back, but this offense would likely lean into Jordan Love more than ask the backup to assume the role Jacobs has filled.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe
