In his pre-practice press conference on Wednesday, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told the media that running back Josh Jacobs, who left Sunday’s game with a knee contusion, will not be practicing
with the team on Wednesday. Previously, it was revealed that Jacobs’ injury was not of a season-ending nature, but the coach wouldn’t commit to Jacobs playing against the Minnesota Vikings this week . On Wednesday, LaFleur called Jacobs’ injury “day-to-day.”
Beyond just Jacobs’ situation, neither running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) nor receiver Jayden Reed (foot/collarbone) will begin their 21-day practice window this week. Both players are on the injured reserve and are expected to return to the active roster before the regular season is over.
Without Lloyd and Jacobs, the only three running backs for the Packers in practice today will be Emanuel Wilson, blocking back Chris Brooks and practice squad running back Pierre Strong Jr. If Jacobs can’t go on Sunday, assume that Strong will be promoted to the 48-man gameday roster.
Last week, Wilson outsnapped Brooks 36-5, even with Jacobs out for three quarters of the game. There’s a good chance that Brooks remains in the blocking back role, even if Jacobs misses the game, which would mean that it would be Strong backing up Wilson in normal down and distance situations.
Strong was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 draft by the New England Patriots and has played in 46 regular-season games in the NFL. He’s turned 99 carries into 499 rushing yards (5.0 YPC) and two touchdowns. He’s also caught 26 balls for 193 yards (7.4 YPR). Strong signed with the Packers’ practice squad in Week 2. He was previously activated from the practice squad in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, but was a healthy scratch in that game when Jacobs (then questionable with an illness/calf injury) was able to suit up for action.
