The Backfield We Knew
For the first six weeks, the Packers' run game was, to put it mildly, an absolute mess. The team ranks last in the NFL with a paltry 59.8 rushing yards per game. In Jacobs' absence, rookie MarShawn Lloyd was given the opportunity to lead the backfield,
but the results were underwhelming. While he showed flashes in the passing game, his rushing efficiency was poor, and fumbles became an issue that visibly frustrated Head Coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers have cycled through Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks, with none able to seize a firm grip on the starting job. This created a fantasy nightmare, where Lloyd was a roster-clogging necessity for desperate managers, but never a player you could start with confidence.
The Immediate Impact of Jacobs' Return
Jacobs is coming off the Commissioner's Exempt List and is set to begin practicing this week ahead of a divisional clash with the Detroit Lions. But before you pencil him in for 25 touches, pump the brakes. Coach LaFleur has been clear that Jacobs' status for the game is 'to be determined'. While Jacobs has been training and attending meetings, LaFleur noted he has 'missed the exposure to football'. Expect the Packers to be cautious. The most likely Week 7 scenario is that Jacobs is active but operates on a limited snap count. They desperately need the spark he can provide, but they won't risk re-injury by throwing him straight into a full workload after a multi-week layoff. Think of him as a high-upside flex play his first week back, not a locked-in RB1.
Re-evaluating Josh Jacobs' Value
For fantasy managers who drafted Jacobs and patiently held him, this is the moment you've been waiting for. Once he's fully integrated back into the offense, his value should skyrocket. LaFleur called him an 'elite-level back' who can 'provide a spark', which is exactly what this struggling run game needs. The Packers have been forced to lean heavily on Jordan Love and the passing game, and Jacobs provides the balance they've been sorely missing. Don't be swayed by his potentially slow start in Week 7. By Week 8 and beyond, he should resume his role as the clear lead back, handling the majority of carries and goal-line work. His rest-of-season schedule and role make him a prime trade target if his current manager is panicking about the 'to be determined' status.
The MarShawn Lloyd Conundrum
And now for the million-dollar question: What do you do with MarShawn Lloyd? His brief time as the 'starter' is officially over. His fantasy value, which was already shaky, has taken a massive hit. In most leagues, Lloyd transitions from a low-end flex option to, at best, a high-value handcuff. He's an essential hold for anyone who has Jacobs on their roster, acting as a crucial insurance policy. If you don't own Jacobs, holding Lloyd becomes a much tougher decision. In leagues with shallow benches, he's likely a drop candidate to make room for a player with more immediate upside. In deeper leagues, he's worth stashing for another week or two just to see how the workload distribution shakes out, but his path to standalone fantasy relevance is now almost entirely blocked.
