The Green Bay Packers had no trouble putting the Dallas Cowboys away on Sunday Night Football, easily winning 23-13. Their defense did a great job of stymying Dak Prescott and the Boys' nonexistent running game. Offensively, the passing game was clicking, with Jordan Love looking like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL despite his receivers routinely dropping passes.
That said, the Packers also left a bit to be desired in a couple of areas. Green Bay was flagged 11 times for 96 yards. Granted, some penalties were questionable, like the roughing-the-passer call on safety Evan Williams, but that's simply too many miscues.
Aside from penalties, though, the running game was underwhelming, with the Packers racking up a measly 57 yards on 26 carries. Compounding the issue, MarShawn Lloyd was in and out of the game with an injury scare. He eventually returned and appears to be fine, but Green Bay needs better production at running back, and reinforcements are fortunately imminent in the form of veteran bell cow Josh Jacobs.
Josh Jacobs could give the Packers' running game an immediate spark
Jacobs was removed from the Commissioner's Exempt List before the Packers' primetime victory over Dallas. He's eligible to practice and could suit up against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, and frankly, his return couldn't come at a better time.
Although the Packers are 4-2 and riding a three-game winning streak after dismantling the Cowboys, their running game ranks dead last in the NFL.
MarShawn Lloyd generated buzz in the offseason because he managed to stay healthy after playing just one game the past two seasons. However, the former USC Trojan has been a non-factor thus far, amassing 48 carries for 122 yards with two touchdowns. Against Dallas, he had a paltry eight carries for 10 yards. Kaleb Johnson has been a bit better but not by much, toting the rock 28 times for 104 yards. Journeyman Pierre Strong Jr. is also in the mix but hasn't done anything of note with his opportunities.
If Jacobs does return in against the Lions, he would instantly give the running game a massive boost.
The Packers are getting Josh Jacobs back in the midst of a winning streak
Josh Jacobs has missed Green Bay's first six contests of 2026 due to off-field issues. The league will continue its investigation, but for the time being, it looks like he's trending toward a return.
Last year, Jacobs helped mask some of the team's struggles on the offensive line. You could make the case that the unit is in much better shape after the arrival of seasoned guard Laken Tomlinson, so the Alabama product should have no trouble picking up where he left off.
With Jacobs back in the fold, opponents will have to respect the Green Bay running game. They'll need to bring extra defenders to contain him, which will, in turn, open things up for Jordan Love and the passing attack.
After a slow start to the season, the Packers find themselves in the thick of the NFC North race. With Jacobs tentatively back, they suddenly look like a threat to take over the division.
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