The Green Bay Packers face uncertainty in the run game ahead of their Week 15 matchup against the Broncos. Josh Jacobs was already questionable with a knee injury. Now the team has added Emanuel Wilson to the injury report with an illness. If neither back can go, things could get dicey in Denver.
Packers will count on one of Jacobs/Wilson being available – otherwise, they may have to get creative
The Packers promoted Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to account for Jacobs’ uncertain status. If Wilson misses and Jacobs can’t go, Strong could actually see the field for the first time this season. The only running back ahead of him on the depth chart is Chris Brooks. Green Bay has used Brooks more in the passing game than on the ground.
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Obviously, missing both Jacobs and Wilson would be a worst-case scenario. There is no indication that such a situation is likely, but having them both on the injury report is certainly not a great feeling.
Wilson has already proved capable of filling Jacobs’ shoes; Jacobs’ status in itself is not a huge concern. If anything, Wilson’s last-second questionable tag could prove more problematic.
On the season, Wilson has 88 carries for 351 yards and three touchdowns. Jacobs has rushed 206 times for 817 yards and 12 scores.
If he and Jacobs are held out or significantly hampered, one secret weapon the Packers do have to diversify the run game is wide receiver Jayden Reed. Reed carried twice for 22 yards in his return last week against the Bears. The offense may turn to trickery more often if Green Bay is compromised in the backfield.
They could also look to involve Savion Williams in similar fashion assuming he is able to go himself. A limited participant in practice this week, Williams is also questionable with a foot injury. He has nine carries for 28 yards this season but has not made much of a mark since Week 2 (two attempts for 24 yards versus Washington).
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