The Green Bay Packers are heading into one of their toughest matchups of the season with more uncertainty than they’d like. Riding momentum and sitting firmly in the NFC playoff picture, Green Bay now travels to Denver to face the 11-2 Broncos, a team that has looked every bit like a Super Bowl contender.
But before Green Bay can even think about how to attack Denver’s top-tier defense, they’re dealing with a suddenly complicated situation in their own backfield, one that could significantly impact how they operate on Sunday.
How Does Green Bay’s Backfield Look Before Week 15 Trip to Denver?
That’s where the concerning news comes in. According to Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman, Green Bay added Emmanuel Wilson to the injury report on Saturday due to an illness, listing him as questionable for Sunday’s game.
Wilson joins Josh Jacobs, who is also questionable with a knee injury that has lingered for weeks.
The Packers added Emanuel Wilson (illness) to the injury report for tomorrow’s game in Denver. He’s questionable. Josh Jacobs (knee) is already questionable.
RB Pierre Strong was elevated from the practice squad.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 13, 2025
It’s the kind of late-week development that forces a coaching staff to scramble. Wilson was expected to take on a larger role if Jacobs couldn’t go; now both players’ statuses are up in the air less than 24 hours before kickoff.
 Josh Jacobs’ Injury Remains a Major Concern for Green Bay
Jacobs has been battling knee soreness since Week 12, and while he’s pushed through it, the workload has clearly taken a toll. He was limited in practice all week, and head coach Matt LaFleur hinted that his availability will depend on how he feels during pregame warmups.
Jacobs has been a stabilizing force for the Packers’ offense, rushing for over 800 yards and providing the physicality Green Bay needs to complement Jordan Love’s passing attack. Losing him, especially against a Broncos defense that thrives on forcing teams into one-dimensional play, would be a significant blow.
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According to PFSN, Jacobs underwent additional imaging earlier this week to monitor swelling, and the team elevated Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad as insurance. That move suggests Green Bay is preparing for the possibility that Jacobs may not be ready.
Emmanuel Wilson’s Illness Complicates the Packers’ Game Plan
Wilson’s late addition to the injury report is equally troubling. The rookie has shown flashes of explosiveness in limited touches, and his versatility as a runner and receiver made him the natural next man up if Jacobs couldn’t go.
Now, with Wilson questionable, Green Bay may be forced to rely heavily on Strong Jr. and Chris Brooks. Brooks has been active but rarely used. It’s not the ideal scenario heading into a matchup with the AFC’s best team.
Denver’s defense has been suffocating during its 10-game win streak, allowing just 3.4 yards per carry and dominating the line of scrimmage. If Green Bay enters this game without Jacobs and Wilson, the pressure on Jordan Love will skyrocket.
The Packers have been one of the league’s most balanced offenses during their recent surge, but balanced becomes difficult when your top two running backs are questionable.
