First Packers injury report for Week 2 raises new concerns beyond Jordan Love injury
When it rains, it pours.
The Green Bay Packers already have to adjust to life without Jordan Love in Week 2. One can assume the gameplan involves a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs, especially after the Indianapolis Colts allowed a league-high 213 rushing yards last week.
Clearly, the Packers can't have nice things, as Jacobs is now on the Week 2 injury report. He is dealing with a back issue, which is less than ideal as he will need a healthy back to carry the Packers' offense on Sunday.
The good news is that he practiced on Wednesday. Love was the only player who didn't participate during Wednesday's session.
Player | Injury | Wed. |
|---|---|---|
Corey Ballentine, CB | Oblique | LP |
Kenny Clark, DL | Toe | LP |
Edgerrin Cooper, LB | Knee | FP |
Josh Jacobs, RB | Back | LP |
MarShawn Lloyd, RB | Hamstring | LP |
Jordan Love, QB | Knee | DNP |
Josh Jacobs injury makes Packers' challenge even greater in Week 2
Hopefully, it's nothing serious for Jacobs. He was a limited participant at practice. The Packers need to lean on their rushing attack while Love is out, but Jacobs' injury further complicates things. Rookie MarShawn Lloyd remains on the injury report with the hamstring issue he has dealt with since the preseason opener.
Even if Lloyd makes his NFL debut in Week 2, we can expect him to take on a limited role.
It opens the door for Emanuel Wilson, who rushed four times for 46 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. He carried his impressive preseason into the season opener, and the Packers need him to contribute again this week.
Jacobs' status is something to monitor throughout the week. It could be nothing, and taking a cautious approach is absolutely the right call. His practice status on Thursday and Friday will give us a clearer indication of his chances of playing on Sunday.
If Jacobs and Lloyd can't go, Wilson will lead the backfield. The Packers would need to call up Ellis Merriweather or new addition Chris Brooks from the practice squad. Merriweather posted solid numbers in the preseason, while signing Brooks was an underrated move by the Packers.
He showed a ton of potential for the Miami Dolphins but didn't get an opportunity due to their incredible running back depth. Last season, he turned 19 carries into 106 yards at an average of 5.6 yards per attempt. In two preseason games for the Dolphins this summer, Brooks rushed 17 times for 103 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
The Packers have options, but they need a healthy Jacobs when the Colts visit Lambeau Field in Week 2.
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