The Green Bay Packers are preparing to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday at noon. At 11-5, they have already clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs, but can improve their seeding by beating Chicago combined with a Washington Commanders loss against the Dallas Cowboys. If Washington defeats Dallas, Green Bay will remain the seventh seed even if they win against the Bears.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has already revealed that all healthy starters will play on Sunday, even though they do not need to win in order to make the postseason. He stated that he believed there was value in the players going out there and playing well after the team got off to a slow start in their latest game, a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Does Not Expect to Play Much vs the Chicago Bears
Josh Jacobs has easily been the Packers best skill position player on offense this season, his first in Green Bay after signing a four-year $48 million contract with the team in free agency. So far this season, he is fourth in the NFL in rushing attempts (295), fifth in rushing yards (1,295), fifth in rushing yards per game (80.3), and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (14).
His efforts and performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod, it was announced this morning.
However, fans should not expect Jacobs, who has been one of the most-used running backs in the NFL, to play very much on Sunday, even though he is indeed playing.
Speaking to reporters after practice on Thursday, Jacobs said:
“Just being honest, being realistic, I don’t see me taking that many carries in this game. Obviously, I want to play. I’m going to push to play, and I’m playing. But I don’t see myself taking 30 carries.”
Obviously, having a healthy Jacobs is paramount to whatever success the Packers can or will achieve in the postseason. On average, he has been getting a little more than 18 carries per game this season. Based on his comments, one might assume that he will get less than that.
One interesting thing to watch, though, is if Jacobs will find the end zone on Sunday. If he does, he will set the franchise record for most consecutive games with a touchdown run. He currently is tied with Hall of Fame running back Paul Hornung for the record, which is seven games.
Who Will Get the Majority of the Carries for the Green Bay Packers?
The second-leading rusher on the team is backup running back Emanuel Wilson, who has 89 carries for 429 yards and three touchdowns. He was originally an undrafted free agent in 2023, but made the team after leading the NFL in rushing during last year’s preseason. Wilson served as the third running back behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon last season.
The Packers’ third running back is Chris Brooks, whom the team signed after he was cut from the Miami Dolphins with an injury settlement. He has 28 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown this season.
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