Green Bay, Wisconsin – The Green Bay Packers opened Week 15 preparation with an unexpected and unwelcome development: star running back Josh Jacobs did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a lingering knee issue, raising immediate concern across the organization and fanbase.
Jacobs, who injured his knee two weeks ago against the New York Giants, has battled through pain and remained active on game days. But missing the opening practice of the week marks the first significant setback since the injury occurred. While the team has not expressed panic publicly, insiders confirm the Packers are “on alert” regarding his availability for Sunday’s critical road game in Denver.
The timing makes the situation even more delicate. Green Bay is heading into one of the most physically demanding environments in the league — Mile High Stadium — where conditioning and depth are tested harder than anywhere else. Without Jacobs, the Packers would be forced to lean heavily on young backs and committee rotations, a risky formula against a Broncos defense that has improved steadily over the past month.
Jacobs has been the heartbeat of Green Bay’s rushing attack, providing both physicality and reliability. His ability to finish runs, control the pace of the game and take pressure off quarterback Jordan Love has been a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive identity. Losing him, even for a single week, would dramatically alter head coach Matt LaFleur’s game plan.
LaFleur declined to offer specifics but acknowledged the concern: “We’re going to monitor Josh closely. He’s one of the toughest guys in this league, but we’re not taking chances with his long-term health. We’ll see how he responds heading into the weekend.”
The news also comes at a time when Green Bay is already navigating a wave of injuries. Several offensive weapons — including Savion Williams, Dontayvion Wicks, and Matthew Golden — remain limited. Meanwhile, the defensive front continues to adjust after losing Devonte Wyatt for the season. Jacobs’ absence only amplifies the sense that the Packers are fighting on multiple fronts as they push toward the playoffs.
The Packers remain hopeful that Jacobs will return to practice later in the week, as he has done previously. But missing Wednesday — the most important installation day for the offense — leaves the door open to real doubt. Green Bay’s playoff hopes may hinge on whether Jacobs can recover in time.
For now, one thing is clear: the Packers didn’t get the news they wanted. And with Denver’s altitude and pressure looming, the status of Josh Jacobs has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines of the week.
