The Green Bay Packers are currently in first place in the NFC North after beating their division rival, the Chicago Bears. Now at 9-3-1, the Packers will not have a smooth ride to the end of the season as they have tough fixtures ahead.
According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, the Packers currently have a 93.1% chance to make the playoffs after beating the Bears. But now head coach Matt LaFleur has a concerning update about one of their biggest stars, Josh Jacobs.
What Did Matt LaFleur Have To Say About Josh Jacobs’ Return?
The Packers face the top team in the AFC in Week 15, the Denver Broncos, before traveling to the Windy City to play the Bears again in Week 16. They finish out the season with the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings. This means they need their stars as healthy as possible.
However, LaFleur told the media on Thursday that fans shouldn’t expect to see Jacobs quite yet.
According to a social media post from Packers writer Paul Bretl, LaFleur addressed Jacobs’ continued absence. “More than likely, he will not be out there today,” said LaFleur. “He’s been battling through this knee injury. ‘He’s doing everything in his power’ to get ready for Sunday.”
Jacobs suffered a knee contusion during their Week 11 win over the New York Giants. It was only the second play of the game when the sixth-year running back banged up his knee at the end of a run.
MORE:Â 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
He remained in the game for several plays before the knee began to swell up, and he was unable to bend it. Since then, the injury has flared up multiple times.
“More than likely he will not be out there today,” LaFleur says of Josh Jacobs.
Adds that he’s been battling through this knee injury. “He’s doing everything in his power” to get ready for Sunday.
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) December 11, 2025
Jacobs remained out for Week 12 but returned in Week 13 for their Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions. In that game, he rushed 17 times for 83 yards. In Week 14, against the Bears, Jacobs was once again available, playing in the majority of offensive snaps, rushing 20 times for 86 yards.
However, once again this week, Jacobs’ availability is in question. He did not practice on Wednesday, but it is possible that it is just to avoid aggravating it further. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Jacobs was seen riding a stationary bike on the sideline while his teammates practiced on Wednesday.
All eyes will be glued on Friday’s practice to see if he participates. If Jacobs returns at least as a limited participant, that will give fans some reassurance that he will play on Sunday.
