The rushing attacks for both teams in this Sunday's meeting between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will be an intriguing storyline to follow. Vikings running back Aaron Jones will be suiting up against his former team for the first time, while Green Bay could be without Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs' status is up in the air, though the team is working to get him ready after suffering a knee injury against the New York Giants that wasn't as bad as initially feared. Still, considering the injury status, even if Jacobs is able to suit up, there should be more opportunities for Emanuel Wilson out of the backfield this week.
Wilson, in his third year with the franchise, has made a strong habit of making the most of his opportunities, something Jones highlighted about his former teammate on Wednesday.
Ex-Packer Aaron Jones praises Emanuel Wilson's readiness ahead of divisional showdown
"Just his work ethic," Jones said. "When he would get his opportunities, what he would do with the ball, he'd always make the most of every opportunity he got whether it was one carry in a game, one carry in practice, or five or 10, whatever it may be. He would make the most of it, and you can tell that he was very hungry, always finding ways to get better."
Jones talked about how he provided leadership for Wilson, who, like Jones, came from a small school with little expectations. He also reminisced on the pride he felt watching Wilson clear 100 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in his first preseason game back in 2023.
"Anytime I get a chance to have running backs around me in my room, I try to instill as much confidence in them, because it's a league where they'll try to tear you down," Jones said.
Wilson doesn't seem to be a player short on confidence. Last season, he rushed for over 500 yards, scoring four touchdowns on the ground and another in the passing game. This season, he's averaging 4.2 yards per carry, which provides some confidence if he has to fill in for Jacobs for a larger role than usual against the Vikings.
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"I just need to go out there and do my job," Wilson said on Wednesday when asked about potentially making his first start since his days at Fort Valley State. "If (Jacobs) plays Sunday or not, I'll just be ready to go."
Wilson's most productive game this season came against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he had 11 carries for 61 yards and three receptions for 26 yards. Last week against the Giants, he stepped in for Jacobs with 11 carries for 41 yards and his first score of the season.
Of course, against the Vikings, Wilson's job won't be limited to carrying the football. He'll also need to continue to prove his prowess in pass protection. Packers fans hope to see more efforts similar to his crucial block on Brina Burns for Jordan Love's touchdown pass to Josh Whyle in the third quarter last week. Minnesota blitzes 43.9 percent of the time, and that's just against pass plays.
Still, Wilson has shown tremendous growth in that department over the years, and having made the most of his opportunities this season, totalling 49+ yards in each game with 10+ touches, no matter his role in Sunday's game, if and when his number is called, he certainly seems ready for the next opportunity.