Josh Jacobs suffered a fractured ring finger in Week 9 and is set for a spell on the sidelines. Matt LaFleur confirmed on Monday that Jacobs requires surgery and will miss time.
Jacobs carried four times for five yards in the Green Bay Packers' 45-27 win over the New England Patriots, but appeared to get his finger jammed in a defender's helmet. He left the game and was unable to return.
Kaleb Johnson led the Packers in carries, rushing 14 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Pierre Strong Jr. also got work.
What does Jacobs' absence mean for the Packers? How much time could he miss? Is a running back trade a possibility before Tuesday's deadline? Let's break it down.
- How much time will Josh Jacobs miss?
- Could the Packers trade for a running back?
- How the Packers could distribute the carries without Josh Jacobs
How much time will Josh Jacobs miss?
LaFleur told reporters that Jacobs tried to return to the game but couldn't grip a football. LaFleur didn't have a specific timetable for Jacobs' return, though he wouldn't rule out injured reserve, noting that "everything is on the table."
A report from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports is slightly more optimistic, suggesting Jacobs is "expected to miss a maximum of three weeks."
The Packers will give us a clue when they decide whether to place Jacobs on injured reserve, as doing so would force him to miss at least four games. Crucially, that's four games and not weeks, so the upcoming Week 11 bye wouldn't count.
It seems near-certain that Jacobs won't play in Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, but then there's a week-and-a-half gap before the next game on Thanksgiving Eve.
Could the Packers trade for a running back?
It's unlikely that Jacobs' injury alone will force the Packers into a last-minute running back trade, especially as early indications suggest it won't be a long-term issue. However, running back could be on Green Bay's trade-deadline wishlist, regardless of Jacobs' status.
The Packers have been connected to Jonathan Taylor trade rumors for several weeks, although that now seems highly improbable. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst could explore more affordable options at the position.
Tony Pollard is potentially available, but as always, it comes down to the asking price.
Green Bay's biggest issue is the offensive line. Trading for interior line help could have an even bigger impact on the rushing attack, especially if the Packers believe Jacobs' injury is relatively short-term.
How the Packers could distribute the carries without Josh Jacobs
Assuming the Packers don't add another running back, Kaleb Johnson will presumably take the reins in Week 10. He's been the most explosive runner this season, though two fumbles earlier in the season led to a reduced role, and he was a healthy scratch for two games.
But Johnson made a big impact against the Patriots on Sunday, and his 4.1-yard-per-carry average is a mile ahead of MarShawn Lloyd's 2.6.
Matt LaFleur also said he believes Chris Brooks will return soon, potentially this week against Minnesota. Brooks is the Packers' best blocker in the backfield, which would be particularly helpful against Brian Flores' defense, and he also averaged 4.7 yards per carry (albeit only on 15 attempts) before getting hurt. Pierre Strong Jr. could also be part of the rotation.
Lloyd remains an option once he recovers from a knee injury, but he has failed to make much of an impact this season. His vision is a concern, as he has taken the wrong option multiple times when rushing lanes are available.
It would appear Jacobs will be out for at least one game this side of the bye week, but potentially longer.
Anything is possible before the trade deadline, but barring a deal, a Johnson-Brooks backfield is likely the way to go until Jacobs returns.
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