Will Green Bay Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Play In Week 12

The will-he-or-won’t-he saga surrounding Green Bay Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs has officially reached “game-time decision” territory. After tweaking his knee against the Giants last weekend, the initial vibe was gloomy. There were whispers of a multi-week absence. But in a twist that feels very on-brand for the NFL in late November, the outlook has shifted. According to reports from Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero, Jacobs isn’t ruled out just yet.

Here’s the deal: there’s no structural damage. That’s the good news. The bad news? The knee is still tender. Jacobs is expected to test it out during pre-game warmups at Lambeau Field before the team makes the final call. It is basically going to come down to how he feels moving around on the frozen tundra a few hours before the Vikings come to town.

The Thanksgiving Factor

Packers RB Josh Jacobs is pushing to play, but his status is truly up in air for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, per sources.

Jacobs was limited in practice this week as he deals with a knee contusion. They’ll make the final call in the morning. pic.twitter.com/22EiXUedXy

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 23, 2025

It’s not just about Sunday’s rivalry clash. The Packers have a quick turnaround with a Thanksgiving Day date in Detroit just four days later. The coaching staff has to play 4D chess here—do you push your star back now and risk him for the Lions game, or play it safe? It is a headache Matt LaFleur probably doesn’t need right now.

If Jacobs can’t go, expect to see a lot of Emanuel Wilson. The third-year back looked solid stepping in last week, posting 40 yards and a score. He’d be the guy carrying the load, with Chris Brooks likely backing him up.

Why This Matters

Let’s be real, the Packers’ offense needs Jacobs. With Tight End Tucker Kraft done for the year and Wide Receiver Jayden Reed sidelined, the passing attack is limping. Green Bay’s run game hasn’t exactly been a juggernaut (ranking 19th in the league), but Jacobs is the engine that keeps things moving. He’s already racked up 648 yards and found the end zone 11 times this season. Without him, Jordan Love loses his best safety valve.

For now, we wait. Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff just got a whole lot more interesting. If you see Jacobs jogging comfortably in warmups, breathe a sigh of relief. If he’s grimacing? Well, hopefully, you grabbed Wilson off waivers.