The Green Bay Packers enter Week 7 with a 3-1-1 record as they prepare for a road game against the Arizona Cardinals. While the team hoped to see wide receiver Christian Watson make his season debut this weekend, he was ruled out on Friday as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and will need at least another week before returning.
### Injury Update: Josh Jacobs Status Uncertain
A major injury question looming over the Packers this week is the availability of running back Josh Jacobs. Jacobs was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report due to a calf injury and illness. Late Saturday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided an update on Jacobs’ status.
“Packers RB Josh Jacobs, listed as questionable for Sunday due to illness and a calf injury, is now being considered a ‘true game-time decision’ for Sunday’s matchup vs. the Cardinals, per source. The team says it does not expect to know whether he can play until Sunday. If Jacobs is unable to play, Packers RB Emanuel Wilson would be the expected starter,” Schefter wrote on X.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport corroborated the update shortly after, stating, “Packers standout RB Josh Jacobs, dealing with an illness and a calf strain, is up in the air regarding his status on Sunday, per me and @TomPelissero. Whether he plays will be determined pre-game.”
If Jacobs cannot play, Emanuel Wilson is expected to start. Wilson has seen limited action this season, carrying the ball 18 times for 84 yards.
### Josh Jacobs Played Through Illness in Week 6
In Week 6, the Packers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 27-18, with Josh Jacobs delivering a strong performance despite feeling unwell. He rushed 18 times for 93 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Jacobs later admitted he was sick during the game, even throwing up. “I really don’t know where it came from. I just kind of woke up this morning just not feeling my best. But I told ’em, the last time that I felt that way, I had 130 yards and two touchdowns. So it is what it is,” Jacobs said.
Despite his illness, Jacobs managed to be highly efficient on the field.
### Packers Add Depth at Running Back
Although Jacobs practiced fully on Friday, the latest updates from Schefter and Rapoport cast doubt on his availability. Adding to the speculation, the Packers elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad on Saturday.
While it could be a precautionary move, bringing up another running back just one day before the game is notable, especially considering Jacobs’ ongoing injury and illness concerns.
This season, Jacobs has accumulated 359 rushing yards with six touchdowns on 98 carries. He is the only Packers running back with over 100 yards, so his potential absence would be a significant loss for the team.
### Game Information
The Packers and Cardinals will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday. Fans will be watching closely to see if Jacobs suits up and how the Packers adjust if he cannot play.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/green-bay-packers/murky-josh-jacobs-injury-update-cardinals/
