GREEN BAY, Wis. (December 13, 2025) – The Green Bay Packers’ running back position is in flux heading into a critical Week 15 road matchup against the surging Denver Broncos. On Saturday, the team added backup RB Emanuel Wilson to the injury report with an illness, listing him as questionable.
Packers Running Back Depth Tested: Emanuel Wilson Questionable, Pierre Strong Jr. Elevated vs. Broncos
In response, Green Bay elevated practice squad RB Pierre Strong Jr. to the active roster for gameday depth.
This move comes as starter Josh Jacobs remains questionable with persistent knee swelling and stiffness that limited his practice participation all week. With rookie MarShawn Lloyd sidelined by recurring soft-tissue issues, Chris Brooks stands as the only fully healthy running back on the 53-man roster.
Emanuel Wilson’s Sudden Illness Adds Uncertainty
Wilson, an un-drafted standout who exploded for 107 yards and two touchdowns in Jacobs’ lone absence earlier this season (Week 12 vs. Minnesota), was a full participant in practices until Saturday’s late addition. Illnesses can be unpredictable, leaving his status a game-time decision.
If unavailable, the Packers’ ground game—already facing Denver’s eighth-ranked run defense—could rely heavily on unproven options.
Pierre Strong Jr.: Career Stats and Potential Role
Strong Jr., a fourth-year pro originally drafted by New England in the fourth round (No. 127, 2022), brings speed and versatility. Over his NFL career (through 2024, as 2025 stats are minimal due to practice squad role):
- Games Played: 37
- Rushing: 99 carries for 499 yards (5.0 avg), 7 TDs
- Receiving: 26 catches for 193 yards
Strong offers explosive potential as a change-of-pace back and kick returner, but has yet to make a significant impact in Green Bay.
Implications for Packers’ Playoff Push
The 9-3-1 Packers, atop the NFC North, need a win at Empower Field to extend their streak and bolster bye hopes against the 11-2 Broncos. A thinned backfield could force more reliance on QB Jordan Love’s arm.
Coach Matt LaFleur will monitor Jacobs and Wilson closely in pregame warmups. Strong’s elevation provides insurance, but highlights the fragility at a position once considered a strength.
References:
- Packers Wire (USA Today) – Packers add RB Emanuel Wilson to injury report, elevate RB Pierre Strong Jr. (Dec 13, 2025) ↩
- Packers.com – Packers announce roster move and injury update (Dec 13, 2025) ↩
- ESPN – Green Bay Packers injury report Week 15 (Dec 13, 2025) ↩
- Acme Packing Company – Packers elevate running back to gameday roster vs. Denver Broncos (Dec 13, 2025) ↩
- Pro-Football-Reference.com – Pierre Strong Jr. career stats ↩
- NFL.com – Pierre Strong Jr. player profile and transaction history ↩
- Heavy.com – Packers Make Move After Adding RB to Injury Report vs. Broncos (Dec 13, 2025) ↩
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnold, follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to McQuade Arnold via email at mcquadewarnold@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go Pack Go. On Wisconsin. Fear The Deer. This Is My Crew
