Josh Jacobs Breaks Down How He Overcame Injury Skepticism to Prove He Belongs on the Field.QQ
Pro Bowl running back had to overcome a soft-tissue injury and a challening pre-game test to show the Packers he was ready to play against the Cardinals.
NFL News Writer
The Green Bay Packers probably would have lost to the Arizona Cardinals without running back Josh Jacobs. The star runner had 55 yards in 13 carries (4.2 per attempt) and two touchdowns, one of the best offensive performances of the day for the Packers to win 27-23.
And Jacobs had to convince the Packers he could actually be on the field. After suffering a calf injury on Friday, and despite playing on a full basis, the running back overcame the Packers’ natural cautious approach and proved he was ready to play.
“This organization, they do a really good job of protecting the players,” Jacobs said after the game. “They didn’t really want me to play [on Sunday]. It was one of those things where I kind of had to convince them.”
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Josh Jacobs was ready to play after all
The running back was in fact healthy enough. He was estimated as a true game-time decision, and had a warmup with some tough tests before the game. Jacobs convinced the Packers’ staff that he was ready, and ultimately received the green light to be on the field.
“At the end of the day, I feel like you also gotta know who you’re talking to,” Jacobs explained. “I’m one of them guys, man, if I feel like I can (play) and I’m not gonna hurt the team by trying to play, then I’m gonna play.”
The difference from Jacobs to his backups is evident, even though Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks have already shown qualities. Against the Cardinals, Wilson had six carries, gaining only 17 yards (2.8 per attempt).
Josh Jacobs has been one of the most impactful offensive pieces on the roster since he signed a four-year contract with the Packers in free agency last year. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024, and despite some rough circumstances in terms of run blocking to start this season, Jacobs is making the most out of his situation — and the offense is much better when he’s on the field.
