The Green Bay Packers enter a crucial three-game stretch against each of their NFC North rivals, but they are dealing with several injuries to key players. That includes running back Josh Jacobs, who exited last week's win over the New York Giants due to a knee injury.
Jacobs is officially inactive for the Packers' game against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been considered a true game-time decision, but with another game coming up on Thursday, it makes sense not to rush him back.
The Packers elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad. He will join Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks in the backfield.
Emanuel Wilson will lead the Packers' backfield with Josh Jacobs officially ruled out
Emanuel Wilson is the primary backup to Jacobs and will become the Packers' starting running back today. Last week against the Giants, Wilson had 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown, while also catching one pass for nine yards.
The Packers will likely also use Chris Brooks, whose value as a blocker could be important against the Vikings' exotic blitzes. However, last week indicated that he won't become a big-time contributor as a runner. He only had one carry for eight yards against the Giants.
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Former Packers running back Aaron Jones, who will stand on the opposite sideline on Sunday, is a big fan of Wilson's.
"Just his work ethic," Jones said. "When he would get his opportunities, what he would do with the ball, he'd always make the most of every opportunity he got whether it was one carry in a game, one carry in practice, or five or 10, whatever it may be. He would make the most of it, and you can tell that he was very hungry, always finding ways to get better."
The good news is that Jacobs avoided a significant injury last week, but with a quick turnaround to the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions, sitting him this weekend is the smartest approach.