When will Josh Jacobs return? Latest injury updates on Packers RBNick Brinkerhoff, USA TODAYMon, November 24, 2025 at 10:04 PM UTC·2 min readJosh Jacobs is hoping to heal relatively quickly.
The Green Bay Packers' running back was forced out of the team's Week 11 contest against the New York Giants with a knee injury. At first, the news didn't seem too promising, suggesting Jacobs would miss some time going forward.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile that may or may not be the case in the immediate future, Jacobs' time on the sidelines seems to be shrinking as the days go by.
The veteran missed Week 12's contest against the Minnesota Vikings, but has been considered day-to-day, leaving his status for Thanksgiving up in the air. Green Bay is set to visit another NFC North rival, the Detroit Lions, on the holiday.
Practice reports will tell the story here, but things are getting better for Jacobs faster than expected.
Here's the latest.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.When will Josh Jacobs return?
Jacobs was listed as a limited participant on Nov. 24's estimated practice report.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Packers have a short week ahead of them, but the running back fought to play in Week 12 before being ruled out. His status wasn't determined until inactive reports were due 90 minutes prior to kickoff, meaning there should be a good chance of his participation in Week 13, barring a setback.
Head coach Matt LaFleur came across as optimistic last week, telling reporters on Nov. 19 that Jacobs was day-to-day.
"The plan is to try to get him healthy enough to go and it's just gonna be a day-by-day thing," LaFleur said. "He is truly day-to-day and we'll see how he progresses as the week unfolds."
The overall outlook remains positive for Jacobs. He has already avoided a possible season-ending injury and also won't be subjected to a stint on injured reserve.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTests on Nov. 17 confirmed that Jacobs' knee had no structural damage, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
Packers RB depth chart
Josh Jacobs
Emanuel Wilson
Chris Brooks
Jacobs is the unquestioned workhorse in Green Bay's backfield, but all hope isn't lost if he can't play in Week 13. Wilson and Brooks are capable of handling the job for the time being.
Wilson figures to handle more of the running downs, while Brooks profiles as the better receiving option for the Packers' offense.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Josh Jacobs return? Latest updates for Packers RB
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