Potential absence of Packers RB Josh Jacobs would give backup Emmanuel Wilson a huge spotlight

Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been a true warrior in every sense of the word in his NFL career. First with the Las Vegas Raiders, he signed with Green Bay in 2024, and has been toughing it out in the trenches of the frozen tundra ever since. However, Jacobs, 27, now faces an injury that could hold him out of this week's action, despite his push to play through the pain.

NFL Network Analyst Tom Pelissero has been monitoring the former All-Pro's progress this week and noted that it will be a tough decision for the coaching staff if they honor Jacobs' wishes and suit him up as the starter.

"Packers RB Josh Jacobs is pushing to play, but his status is truly up in the air for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, per sources," Pelissero wrote. "Jacobs was limited in practice this week as he deals with a knee contusion. They’ll make the final call in the morning."

In a follow-up post, the veteran NFL writer stated that Jacobs' status would be a near game-time decision. He pointed out that the Pack (6-3-1) knows Jacobs must be ready and healthy in time for postseason play, so they may not want to risk things, especially considering their upcoming schedule.

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"Green Bay has a short week ahead with a visit to Detroit on Thanksgiving. Josh Jacobs is tough as they come and wants to go. But there is still a lot of football ahead, and that'll factor in the decision."

Emanuel Wilson could carry the load for Packers

Jacobs' primary back-up is the formerly undrafted Emanuel Wilson, who played his college ball at Fort Valley State. He signed with the Denver Broncos for a total of three days before being released and eventually agreed to join Green Bay shortly after.

Playing in just seven games his rookie year, he managed just 85 yards and no touchdowns in 2023. But he blossomed last season, playing in all 17 regular-season games, when he rushed 103 times for 502 yards and four touchdowns.

If Jacobs sits out this week against the visiting Minnesota Vikings (4-6) and possibly the short week game on Thanksgiving Day with Detroit, it would give him plenty of time to heal. At the same time, it allows the Packers to get a closer look at Wilson, to gauge what he could bring in the playoffs.

And, for a guy from a tiny school who almost didn't get a shot in the National Football League, it gives him a chance to showcase his talent for other teams who may be looking to shore up their own running corps. The running back curently has a one-year contract with the Packers with a salary of approximately $1.03 million. With his contract up at the end of the year, Wilson has an opportunity to cash much bigger checks with a couple of standout starts.