The story begins with Josh Jacobs — the workhorse back for Green Bay — showing signs of trouble this week. Historically, Jacobs has been relied upon heavily; last season he carried the load with more than 300 rushes and was in good condition going into this year. But this week, he was listed on the injury report with two designations: an illness and a calf issue.) He was limited in practice earlier in the week (Wednesday, Thursday) due to the illness. ) Then on Friday, the calf problem was added to the list, even as he participated fully in that day’s practice. (SI) That juxtaposition—full participation despite a new injury tag—led analysts to describe his status as shaky.
Then, late Saturday or even into Sunday, news broke that Jacobs’ status had been upgraded (or downgraded, depending on your view) from “questionable” to a “true game‑time decision.” ( What that means is that the Packers are not expected to definitively decide whether Jacobs plays until very close to kickoff — likely after seeing how he looks during warmups or the pregame workout. (SI) The team has acknowledged they may not know until Sunday whether he can play.
The decision is inherently risky. On one hand, Jacobs is their best back — in terms of experience, consistency, and ability to carry a heavy load. On the other hand, if his calf is even slightly off, pushing him too hard could exacerbate injury or make him ineffective. A calf injury is particularly tricky: it can flare, linger, or hamper burst and cutting. Some sports medicine voices have expressed concern about how significant the calf issue might be, given that it showed up late in the week.
Adding to the complications: the Packers’ travel to Arizona was delayed nearly six hours due to a mechanical issue. That disruption can interfere with recovery protocols, treatment timing, and rest cycles for injured or borderline players. It’s possible that what might have been manageable under normal circumstances looks more precarious now.
If Jacobs can’t go — or if the Packers decide to limit his workload substantially — the expected starter would be Emanuel Wilson.Wilson is the next in line on the depth chart behind Jacobs. (PFSN) But it’s important to note that Wilson has had only limited usage this season: as of the reports, he’s had 18 carries for 84 yards. (PFSN) His career totals are modest: 135 attempts for 671 yards and four touchdowns (before this week) ( In short, he’s not untested, but he’s not a proven bell-cow option in a full workload scenario.
If Wilson starts, the passing-down or third-down back role would likely fall to Chris Brooks.) Brooks has typically handled receiving/blocking back duties, so that role would suit him if Wilson is asked to absorb more early-down and base-run responsibilities. (CBS Sports) In anticipation of Jacobs’ uncertain status, the Packers also elevated Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad. Strong would likely serve as depth behind Wilson and Brooks if needed.
It’s also worth reflecting on Jacobs’ performance under duress earlier in the season, particularly when dealing with illness. In one game vs. Cincinnati, he reportedly battled a stomach bug, vomited before and during play, but still delivered 150 yards and two touchdowns. That kind of toughness is part of why the Packers might lean toward pushing him to play — if he feels he can. But whether that level of play is sustainable or advisable again is uncertain.
From the tactical perspective, the Packers would likely need to adjust their game plan if Jacobs is limited or unavailable. Where Jacobs offers a high-volume, downhill, physical style, Wilson would be more of a complementary back forced into a larger role. The offense might need to lean more on passing, use more backfield motion, or create mismatches in lighter boxes. The coaching staff may also be more cautious about overextending Wilson — for instance, limiting his carries in the first half — to manage fatigue or risk. And third-down options (i.e. Brooks) might see heavier use to relieve Wilson.
On the flip side, should Jacobs play, the question then becomes: will he be full strength, or be hampered or limited? Even if he suits up, there’s always a chance Green Bay holds him back from a full load, or reduces his snaps if red-flag signs emerge.
In the fantasy or betting world, this is precisely the kind of “knife-edge” scenario that makes decision-making tricky. Jacobs being listed active does not guarantee full performance. Wilson, meanwhile, becomes a speculative upside play: if Jacobs is out or limited, Wilson could see a workhorse-type opportunity. (CBS Sports) Observers and analysts have flagged Wilson as a name to keep an eye on in waiver or streaming situations.
At the end of the day, Sunday will tell. Jacobs’ pregame workout and warmups will likely decide whether he plays, and if he does, how much. If he can’t go, or if he’s not fully trusted to carry 20+ carries, Emanuel Wilson becomes the de facto starter, with Brooks and newly elevated Pierre Strong Jr. filling in ancillary roles. The Packers’ offensive game plan will almost certainly evolve accordingly, aiming to balance aggression with caution given the uncertainties in the backfield.
If you like, I can also project stat outcomes for Wilson or simulations under each scenario (Jacobs full, Jacobs limited, Jacobs out) to help with your picks. Do you want me to run those?
