Josh Jacobs has been a major part of the Green Bay Packers offense during the 2025 NFL season. His 69 rushing yards per game rank 12th among all players this year and his contributions have helped them to the best record in the NFC entering Week 8.
The star running back is reportedly managing a calf injury that could directly impact his status for their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Head coach Matt LaFleur recently addressed the issue and outlined his approach to it.
Josh Jacobs’ Injury Update for Packers in Week 8
LaFleur recently met with the media as his Packers prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. One of the topics he was asked about was Jacobs’ calf injury, which he played through last week in a victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The veteran running back was limited in practice again this week and was listed as questionable on the injury report. However, on Friday, Jacobs was cleared to play in Week 8.
“Packers RB Josh Jacobs (calf) is off the injury report and good to go Sunday vs. Pittsburgh,” wrote NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X.
Jacobs handled 13 carries for 55 yards and two touchdowns last week, but LaFleur stated that he is asking for a larger workload, according Ryan Wood of the “Green Bay Press-Gazette.”
The head coach was reluctant to grant his wish, instead stating, “I think we’re going to try to limit him to some regard.” Jacobs may not be pleased with his decision, especially after LaFleur admitted that he has been “begging” for more touches this week.
His 13 carries and 58 scrimmage yards against the Cardinals were both season lows, so the Packers have already been limiting his usage while he continues to recover from the calf injury. He has recorded at least 20 touches in all five of their other games this year and exceeded 300 carries last season, so he is obviously capable of handling a massive workload when he’s healthy enough to do so.
If the Packers do continue to limit his touches, Emanuel Wilson is likely to be the main beneficiary. He handled seven touches last week, which represents the second-most that he’s had in any game this year. He has also recorded 28 touches across their past four games, after totaling just one across the first two weeks of the season.
Chris Brooks is their only other running back to log a carry, but he has just two of them to go along with his five receptions this season. Jacobs should be expected to lead the way in their backfield, but according to LaFleur, a full workload is still unlikely this week.
