The Green Bay Packers have an enormously important game against the Chicago Bears on Saturday in Week 16, but they aren't certain to have running back Josh Jacobs on the field.
That's because Jacobs is listed as questionable to play. Jacobs is dealing with knee and ankle issues and did not practice at all this week before being given the aforementioned designation.
The short week and lack of practice participation is obviously a major concern for his status, but we know Jacobs is going to push hard to play in what is a crucial game for the NFC North foes.
Here's what we know about Jacobs' status for Saturday versus Chicago.
Is Josh Jacobs playing tonight?
There hasn't been any confirmation by the team or NFL insiders that Jacobs will play, but we think he has a good chance to do so.
During the week, Jacobs was sporting a brace and was walking with a "significant" limp, but he also said he intends to play and noted that "it's harder to watch games than it is to play hurt," so take that for what it's worth.
We've seen Jacobs play with little or no practice several times over the course of his career, and he's going to be hell-bent on playing in what is a huge game for his Packers.
We'll get final confirmation an hour and a half before the 8:20 p.m. Kickoff, when the two teams release their inactives, but we could get an indication before then if the Packers make roster moves before the game starts.
If Green Bay elevates a running back, that could be an indication that Jacobs is either not going to play, or is in serious danger of not playing.
But, bear in mind, such a move could be made for fellow running back Chris Brooks, who is also listed as questionable to play in Week 16.
Josh Jacobs fantasy football advice
If Jacobs is active, you're starting him no matter what, even if there is a report that he could see a limited workload. Jacobs offers a high probability of scoring a touchdown, so he can still make a huge dent with limited touches.
Another reason to start Jacobs no matter what comes from the fact that he ranks as RB7 overall entering Week 16, which makes him an every-week RB1 play.
The Bears also present a middle-of-the-road matchup, with Chicago ceding the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game to backs this season, so nothing scary here.
Don't overthink it with Jacobs. He has helped get you this far and you need to keep leaning on him as long as he's active for the contest.
What if Josh Jacobs doesn't play?
Jacobs' handcuff is Emanuel Wilson and you are definitely starting him in place of Jacobs if he doesn't suit up.
Let's not forget that Wilson racked up 107 rushing yards and 18 receiving yards on two catches while also scoring two touchdowns on the ground in place of Jacobs back in Week 12, so he has shown his fantasy viability before.
More NFL News
- Is D'Andre Swift playing tonight? Injury update, fantasy advice
- Bears vs. Packers picks, predictions from experts for Week 16
- Eagles vs. Commanders picks, predictions from experts for Week 16
- Rams' Puka Nacua hit with $25,000 fine from NFL
- Dolphins might have Tua Tagovailoa problem with head coach search