Is Josh Jacobs playing today? Latest news, updates on Packers RB's status for Week 7 vs. Cardinals

Daniel Mader

Is Josh Jacobs playing today? Latest news, updates on Packers RB's status for Week 7 vs. Cardinals image

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The Green Bay Packers are looking to build on a 3-1-1 start to the season when they visit the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. It may be a tough task for the Pack, who may be without a key player.

In the lead-up to Sunday's game, there was increased concern around Josh Jacobs' availability to play against the Cardinals. 

Jacobs, who has scored six touchdowns in five games, is battling an injury and illness. Further complicating matters is that Green Bay dealt with travel issues on its way to Arizona.

Here is what to know about Jacobs' injury and whether he should be expected to take the field Sunday.

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Is Josh Jacobs playing today?

Jacobs is officially active for Week 7 against the Cardinals, as announced by the Packers pregame.

Jacobs was considered a "true game-time decision. His status was determined by how he felt before the matchup, which kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET. 

The running back has been dealing with both a calf injury and an illness. On Sunday morning, NFL Network reported that Jacobs "believes he can go," but a final decision had yet to be made.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported that the Packers put Jacobs " through a workout on the field at State Farm Stadium" before a decision was made on his status. He also noted that it wasn't Jacobs' illness that's "the issue," it was his calf.

Jacobs was then spotted in his pregame warmups before the Packers made him active:

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Josh Jacobs injury updates

Jacobs has been on the Packers' injury report this week, listed with a calf issue and an illness. While the running back was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, he was a full participant on Friday. 

Still, news of Jacobs being a "true" game-time decision came on Saturday, indicating that it wasn't a sure thing he'd play. 

Jacobs said after Week 6, when the Packers beat the Cincinnati Bengals that he had thrown up before, during and after the game. 

"I don't feel too good today," Jacobs said, despite scoring two touchdowns.

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Packers RB depth chart

RankPlayer
1Josh Jacobs (questionable)
2Emanuel Wilson
3Chris Brooks
4Pierre Strong Jr.

While Jacobs will play in Week 7, depth may still be key for Green Bay moving forward. Backup Emanuel Wilson Jr. will be in line to see a majority of the Packers' snaps in the backfield if Jacobs ever misses time.

Wilson, a third-year Packer, has 84 rushing yards so far this season. He posted 502 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. 

However, Chris Brooks and Pierre Strong Jr. could also factor whenever Jacobs doesn't play. Brooks has just two carries for Green Bay so far this season after 36 in 2024, while Strong was elevated from the team's practice squad on Saturday as Jacobs' status was in question. Strong had 108 rushing yards and 104 receiving yards for the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 season. 

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.