Josh Jacobs Injury Update and Its Impact on Packers RB Emanuel Wilson

The Green Bay Packers may have dodged a bullet that could have put a huge damper on the rest of this 2025 season. It doesn't sound like they're out of the woods just yet, but early reports coming out of Green Bay are that All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs should not miss the rest of this season.

"The early indication was that Jacobs' injury is not believed to be season-ending, a source told ESPN, but more tests will be done Monday in Green Bay," Rob Demovsky reported. 

There's also more good news from Tom Pelissero, whose reporting suggests that the Packers are expecting Jacobs to be able to return soon.

Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) on X Packers RB Josh Jacobs will undergo more tests Monday on his left knee, but the initial belief is he avoided a significant injury, per sources. Jacobs returned briefly after jamming his knee into the MetLife turf before leaving for good. There’s optimism he’ll be back soon.

That's all great news, but there are few things to keep in mind as the 6-3-1 Packers look ahead to a massive NFC North clash against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.

First, the Pack are notoriously conservative when it comes to bringing players back from injuries -- and that's especially true of leg injuries. More than likely, Jacobs will miss at least this game against the Vikings.

Secondly, the Packers don't necessarily need to rush Jacobs back, because they have a great backup running back in undrafted third-year back Emanuel Wilson.

Wilson has often been used as a change-of-pace back this season because he's a bit more explosive than Jacobs when it comes to hitting the hole. He's in no way as good as Jacobs, but you can't ask for a better backup if you're the Packers.

Coming in for the injured starter against the Giants, Wilson rushed 11 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. That's just 3.6 yards per carry, but Wilson at the very least hit the hole hard and down in the red zone when they needed him to step up, he did just that.

NFL (@NFL) on X Emanuel Wilson slips through for his first TD of the season GBvsNYG on FOX/FOX One https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV

The situation behind Wilson is a bit more volatile and unknown. Chris Brooks is a good pass-blocker but he doesn't bring much else to the table. Behind him is former third round pick MarShawn Lloyd, who is seemingly permanently on the IR.

The Packers may need to elevate a player like Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad over the next few weeks, but at the very least, they do have a player in Wilson who can step into the starter role and provide a spark.

If Jacobs needs some time to rest and rehab, and he should at least take this next week or two so that he'll be close to 100-percent for a playoff push, the Packers do have a solid option in Wilson. 

Let him loose, and let's see what happens.