The Detroit Lions received some troubling news head of their massive Thanksgiving Clash against the Green Bay Packers. Just a few days after their close win over the New York Giants, things aren’t getting any easier in Week 13.
Lions’ Thanksgiving Nightmare: Josh Jacobs Fully Cleared, Set to Torment Detroit’s Shorthanded Defense
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on at a timeout against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on at a timeout against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on at a timeout against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on at a timeout against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is officially cleared and good to go for Thursday’s Thanksgiving clash against the Detroit Lions, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed Wednesday morning.
The 27-year-old star, who missed last Sunday’s game with a knee bone bruise and thigh contusion, progressed from limited practices Monday and Tuesday to full participation on Wednesday — the final box checked before being removed from the injury report.
“Josh Jacobs is 100% for Thanksgiving,” Rapoport reported. “Expect his normal workload — 18-22 touches, goal-line work, the full package.”
The $12 million free-agent prize has been a red-zone monster in 2025:
11 rushing touchdowns (tied for 2nd in NFL)
648 rushing yards on 170 carries
27 receptions for 188 yards and 1 receiving TD
4 games with 100+ scrimmage yards
Despite a modest 3.8 YPC, Jacobs ranks top-5 in goal-line carries and red-zone touches, making him one of the league’s most efficient touchdown producers.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With Jacobs sidelined last week, third-string RB Emanuel Wilson delivered 107 yards and 2 TDs against Minnesota, but head coach Matt LaFleur made it clear the offense runs through its bell cow:
“Josh is our hammer. Emanuel was awesome, but having Josh back changes the entire math of the game — especially on Thanksgiving against Detroit.”
The Lions’ run defense has allowed 4.2 yards per carry since losing All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph six weeks ago, and Jacobs torched them in Week 1: 18 carries, 84 yards, 2 TDs in a 27-13 Packers victory.
Fantasy & Betting Impact (as of Nov 26)
Rushing yards prop: 84.5 (opened at 79.5, sharp money pushed it up)
Anytime TD: -145 (heaviest favorite on the board)
Packers team total: moved from 24.5 → 26.5 after Jacobs cleared
Josh Jacobs himself posted on X Wednesday: “Thankful to be back. Detroit, here we come 🦃 #GoPackGo”
At 7-3-1, Green Bay can complete the season sweep and stay in the NFC North hunt with a win at Ford Field (12:30 p.m. ET, FOX). Jacobs has historically feasted on Thanksgiving — 3 career games, 312 scrimmage yards, 4 total TDs — and with Detroit’s defense battered, expect another big day.
The Packers’ run game ranks top-10 in success rate when Jacobs is active. On a short week against a desperate Lions team, Josh Jacobs isn’t just back — he’s the centerpiece of Green Bay’s attack.
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