Green Bay, WI – October 26, 2025 – The Green Bay Packers celebrated a thrilling 27–23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, but the post-game mood quickly shifted from triumph to concern. Three key starters — running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, and cornerback Jaire Alexander — emerged from the victory nursing injuries that put their availability for Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in serious doubt.
At 5–2 and very much in the NFC playoff hunt, Green Bay now faces a critical stretch. The team enters a mini-bye week, but the injury report released Monday has raised alarms across Cheesehead Nation.
Josh Jacobs (RB) – Groin Strain
Jacobs, the centerpiece of Green Bay’s revamped run game, exited in the third quarter after an awkward cut while escaping a tackle. Though he returned and finished with 98 rushing yards and a touchdown, trainers confirmed he suffered a Grade 1 groin strain.
Jacobs was visibly limping after the game and did not participate in cool-down exercises. Sources indicate a 1–2 week recovery timeline, making his status for the Steelers matchup questionable at best.
If Jacobs is sidelined, the Packers will likely rely on Emanuel Wilson and rookie MarShawn Lloyd, shifting more of the offensive load onto quarterback Jordan Love.
Dontayvion Wicks (WR) – Calf Injury
Wicks continued his breakout sophomore campaign with another explosive play — a 42-yard bomb in the second quarter — before pulling up with a calf injury during a fourth-quarter route.
He spent the rest of the game on the sideline with his lower leg wrapped in ice. Medical evaluations point to a mild calf strain, with a 7–10 day recovery window, making Week 8 availability uncertain.
Without Wicks, Green Bay loses its top vertical threat, putting added pressure on Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and rookie Jayden Reed to step up.
Jaire Alexander (CB) – Knee Soreness
Perhaps the biggest concern lies in the secondary. Three-time Pro Bowl corner Jaire Alexander suffered a non-contact knee injury late in the fourth quarter while breaking up a pass intended for Marvin Harrison Jr.
Though Alexander initially downplayed the injury, he was carted to the locker room for precautionary imaging. The early diagnosis is MCL inflammation with no structural damage, but given his previous knee issues, the Packers medical staff is proceeding cautiously.
If Alexander cannot go, Rasul Douglas and Keisean Nixon would square off against George Pickens and the Steelers’ physical receiving corps — a matchup that could tilt the game.
Coach LaFleur Responds
Head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the media Monday and acknowledged the difficult situation but emphasized the resilience of his locker room:
“I won’t lie — losing some of our key players makes things a lot tougher for us. But this team has never been about excuses. We’ll keep fighting, keep pushing, and play with the same heart and passion that define GREEN BAY football. No matter who’s on the field, we’ll give everything we’ve got.”
The Packers now turn their attention to a hostile road environment at Acrisure Stadium on November 2. With playoff momentum on the line and a physical battle looming against Mike Tomlin’s Steelers, the health of these three stars could define Green Bay’s trajectory heading into November.
What’s Next?
Practice begins Wednesday, when the first official Week 8 injury report will offer more clarity. Until then, Packers fans are waiting — and hoping — for good news.
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the week.
