The Green Bay Packers are preparing for another challenging opponent as they face quarterback Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in Week 15, but they may not have one of their best players available.
Amid team practices this week, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke with the media about how various players on the injury report are faring. His remarks about running back Josh Jacobs didn’t necessarily sound ideal as they head into one of their toughest remaining tests before the regular season closes.
Read more: Vikings’ JJ McCarthy Gives Strong Words on Justin Jefferson Connection
Jacobs, who played against the Chicago Bears, has been dealing with a knee injury. He hasn’t practiced with his team recently, prompting questions from reporters about his situation.
“He’s been battling through it,” LaFleur said Thursday, adding, “More than likely, he will not be out there today either, so we’ll see how he’s feeling tomorrow and kind of go from there.”
That prompted a follow-up question about whether the Packers coach had any concerns about his availability to play in Sunday’s game.
“I think anytime a guy doesn’t practice, there’s always concern,” LaFleur stated. “So, we’ll see. He’s been battling through it. He is doing everything in his power to get ready to go.”
In 12 games this season, Jacobs has compiled 817 yards and 12 touchdowns on 206 carries. In just his second season with the Packers, he’s clearly a key component of the team’s offense, taking pressure off quarterback Jordan Love.
In his 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, a quad injury sidelined Jacobs for the final four games of the season.
He sat out his team’s Week 12 win against the Vikings because of the knee injury, before returning for their next two games, including Sunday’s win over the Bears. However, he indicated he was feeling knee stiffness after that game.Â
An MRI didn’t show anything worrisome for Green Bay, but based on LaFleur’s remarks, there is definitely concern surrounding the star running back’s ability to play against Denver. Emmanuel Wilson replaced Jacobs for the previous game that he was out, so that would likely be the case against the Broncos.
Read more: Philip Rivers’ Colts Return Gets Strong Reaction from NFL Hall of Famer
For more about the Green Bay Packers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.