The Green Bay Packers survived the absence of running back Josh Jacobs in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.
Jacobs was ruled out for that contest because of a bruised left knee, which he sustained in Green Bay’s Week 11 win against the New York Giants on the road. With Jacobs out, the Packers decided to turn to running back Emanuel Wilson to be their lead back versus the Vikings.
Wilson stepped up and reciprocated his team’s trust, as he burned rubber for 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. He added 18 receiving yards on two carries and two targets, as Green Bay edged the Vikings, 23-6.
Packers’ Wilson shares Jacobs’ message before Week 12 game against Minnesota
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (23) against the Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-6.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Wilson, however, admitted after the game that he felt nervous going into the contest, realizing that it was going to be his first start since college. But a message from Jacobs appeared to ease the stress.
Via the Associated Press (h/t ESPN):
Wilson acknowledged he was a little nervous when he woke up. Jacobs, who was unavailable because of a bruised left knee, offered a pregame message that helped settle him.
“Josh just was in my corner telling me to believe in myself and telling me he believed in me, so I just went out there and did what I did,” Wilson said.
Wilson could return to a backup role in this coming Week 13’s Thanksgiving Day game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, with Jacobs participating in practice on Monday. But having seen Wilson have success in Week 12, Green Bay can feel confident in deploying him on the field as an RB1 should Jacobs need more time away from the action.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay running back Emanuel Wilson (23) runs the ball against the Vikings in the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
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