Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs was spotted back at practice following a near two-week absence due to a groin injury. His return is an encouraging development that puts him on track to suit up when the club opens the upcoming season against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers are fortunate to have Jacobs in the mix again this quickly. Head coach Matt LaFleur didn't sound too certain about the three-time Pro Bowler's outlook when addressing the media just a handful of days ago.
While there were (and are) no long-term concerns about Jacobs' health, there has been an ominous lack of updates and/or details. Heck, we never even got an official diagnosis for him. LaFleur's vague response was another cause for panic, considering Green Bay faces a stout Vikings defense, specifically against the run, on September 13.
Rest assured, Packers fans. Jacobs should be on track to be available in Minnesota. His status looms large over the outcome of the NFC North showdown that kicks off the rivals' campaigns.
Packers get much-needed welcome news on Josh Jacobs ahead of Week 1 vs. Vikings
Almost every metric indicates the Vikings can dominate the line of scrimmage. They were one of only nine squads to allow 4.0 yards per attempt or fewer and gave up 13 touchdowns on the ground in 2025. The team also finished in the upper echelon in opponent rushing success rate (40.59 percent), per SumerSports.
Having Jacobs, one of the NFL's true workhorse backs, gives Green Bay the best chance possible to overcome a less-than-ideal matchup. He's been the engine of their offense since joining them as a free agent in March 2024. His 1,840 carries, 7,803 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns since 2019 are second only to the Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry.
Without Jacobs, it would be an uphill battle versus the Vikes. The Packers' running back room looks pretty thin outside of him entering 2026. Third-year pro MarShawn Lloyd has made headlines throughout the offseason, yet it remains to be seen if he can be trusted.
Can Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd coexist?
There's been no shortage of buzz surrounding Lloyd, who has just seven career touches to his name. Injuries have derailed him to the point where he hasn't even been able to get on the field. The 2024 third-round pick certainly has the talent, explosiveness and athleticism to be a factor when right.
Lloyd broke out in his lone season at USC before the Packers invested meaningful draft capital in him. He ran for 820 yards and nine touchdowns, adding another 232 scoreless yards on 13 catches. His outstanding 7.1 yards per attempt was among the leaders in the nation.
In theory, Jacobs and Lloyd should complement each other nicely to create a thunder-and-lightning backfield duo. Whether they share the field depends on their health — and the former's pending legal troubles, which could still reportedly result in a suspension.
Add us as a preferred source on Google