Is Josh Jacobs going to take the field tonight? Injury insights and fantasy tips for Packers running back in Week 16
The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a crucial showdown against their long-time rivals, the Chicago Bears, this Saturday in Week 16. However, there's uncertainty surrounding the availability of running back Josh Jacobs, who is currently marked as questionable to play due to knee and ankle injuries. Notably, Jacobs did not practice at all this week, raising concerns about his ability to participate in this pivotal game.
Given the tight timeline and his absence from practice, the situation is clearly worrisome for fans and fantasy players alike. Yet, it's important to remember that Jacobs is known for his determination and may still push himself to play in a game that holds significant implications for both teams in the NFC North.
Will Josh Jacobs be on the field tonight?
UPDATE: Jacobs has been confirmed as ACTIVE for Week 16!
Josh Jacobs is ready for action in the Week 16 face-off against the Bears.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 20, 2025
END OF UPDATE
UPDATE: According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Jacobs is indeed active for Week 16. He reported that "Packers RB Josh Jacobs will be taking the field tonight against the Bears, per sources."
However, it’s important to note that Jacobs will likely be on a "pitch count," meaning his number of plays and touches could be restricted. This was also the case last week where, despite limited snaps, Jacobs managed an impressive 92 yards from scrimmage along with a touchdown on just 14 touches, which included 12 carries and 2 receptions.
END OF UPDATE
While there hasn’t been concrete confirmation from the Packers organization or NFL insiders regarding Jacobs' status until recently, indications suggest he has a solid chance of playing. Throughout the week, he was seen wearing a brace and walking with a noticeable limp. Despite this, he expressed his desire to compete, stating, "It’s tougher to watch from the sidelines than to play through the pain." This mindset should be taken into consideration when evaluating his readiness to play.
Historically, we’ve seen Jacobs perform effectively even after limited practice time, and he is evidently eager to contribute to his team in such an important matchup. Final confirmation regarding his status will come approximately an hour and a half before the kickoff at 8:20 p.m., when both teams will disclose their inactive players. We may also receive hints ahead of time if the Packers decide to make any roster changes prior to the game.
It’s worth noting that if Green Bay promotes another running back, this might suggest that Jacobs is either unlikely to play or facing serious challenges regarding his participation. However, keep in mind that this adjustment could also be made for another running back, Chris Brooks, who is also listed as questionable for Week 16.
Fantasy Football Strategy for Josh Jacobs
If Jacobs is cleared to play, you should definitely consider starting him regardless of the speculation about a limited workload. His track record indicates a strong likelihood of scoring, making him a valuable asset even with fewer touches. Furthermore, Jacobs ranks as the overall RB7 heading into Week 16, solidifying his status as a must-start player in your lineup.
In terms of matchups, the Bears represent a moderately challenging opponent, allowing the 13th-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. This means there’s no reason to shy away from starting Jacobs. Trust his capabilities; after all, he has been instrumental in your success thus far this season.
What if Josh Jacobs doesn't take the field?
Should Jacobs end up sitting out the game, his backup, Emanuel Wilson, would be your go-to option. Wilson previously demonstrated his potential by amassing 107 rushing yards and adding 18 receiving yards on two catches while scoring two rushing touchdowns when filling in for Jacobs back in Week 12. His performance showcases his capability to step up in critical situations, making him a viable fantasy choice if Jacobs is unavailable.
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