Packers Make Final Decision on Josh Jacobs Before Thanksgiving
It was a busy day for the Packers on Wednesday, as the team tries to bounce quickly back from Sunday’s dominant defensive performance against the Vikings to take on the Lions, a must-win game if Green Bay wants to give itself a top-level chance to win the NFC North. The Packers come in at 7-3-1, and are 2-0 in the division, while the Lions are 7-4.
The Packers made one decision on the offensive side, opting to keep receiver Jayden Reed out for another week as he returns from collar-bone and foot injuries. When they put out their injury report on Wednesday, it was clear they’d made another, too: They were ready to get running back Josh Jacobs back on the field.
Jacobs was not on Wednesday’s injury report, which means he is good to go for the Lions.
Josh Jacobs In Need of Consistency
Jacobs had hurt his knee in Week 11 against the Giants. He wanted badly to play in Week 12, but the team held him back and Jacobs vowed he would return on Thanksgiving. He’s followed through on that.
Last year, Jacobs proved to be a shrewd addition by the Packers’ front office, as he went for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus another 342 yards as a receiver. This year, Jacobs is running behind a reconfigured and oft-injured offensive line, and the result have been rough at times. Jacobs has not had a 100-yard game this season and is on pace for a much more modest 1,037 yards on the year.
Jacobs definitely needs consistency and momentum to be effective. The Packers are hoping he gets more of that down the season’s stretch run.
As offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said of Jacobs, “It takes a little time in the run game to just get things going and the more opportunities you get the more momentum you can build. When you’re able to give Josh (Jacobs) the ball that many times, he’s going to start popping some and he’s going to wear people out.”
Packers Could Use Emanuel Wilson More With Josh Jacobs
With Jacobs out against the Vikings, RB2 Emanuel Wilson stepped up with 28 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers like to use Wilson as a change-of-pace back, but there is a case to be made for him to get more carries–he had just 53 coming into Week 12. Wilson for one said he’d like that chance.
“It’ll be crazy,” Wilson said of a one-two punch with Jacobs. “When Josh comes back, when he gets going I will try to match his energy. Today, I just tried to do that. … I just went out there and did my job. The guys believe in me so I tried to make every opportunity count for them.”
JOSH ALLEN MAKES HISTORIC MOVE: PLEDGES $5 MILLION TO FUND HOMES FOR BUFFALO'S HOMELESS
Buffalo Bills Quarterback Steps Up with Life-Changing Initiative, Opening 100 Housing Units and 200 Shelter Beds
In an inspiring act of generosity that has sent shockwaves throughout Buffalo and the NFL, Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, has pledged $5 million from his recent sponsorship deals to fund a transformative initiative aimed at combating homelessness in the city.
The $5 million pledge, made in partnership with local leaders and nonprofits, will be used to build 100 permanent housing units and provide 200 shelter beds for those facing homelessness in one of America’s most underserved cities. For many in Buffalo, where freezing winters can make life on the streets unbearable, this move could be nothing short of life-changing.
Josh Allen Speaks from the Heart
In an emotional press conference at Highmark Stadium, Allen reflected on why this cause is so close to his heart:
“Buffalo gave me everything — love, energy, belief. Now it’s my turn to give back. I can’t stand by knowing families are sleeping outside in this city.”
With a career defined by his resilience on the football field, Allen demonstrated that his leadership goes beyond touchdowns and trophies. The quarterback, who has led the Bills to multiple deep playoff runs, understands that his success means little if he doesn’t use it to uplift the community that’s supported him through every challenge.
A Legacy of Leadership Beyond Football
Allen has long been admired for his leadership, humility, and work ethic. From his college days at Wyoming to becoming the face of the Bills, Allen’s story has been one of perseverance. But with this new initiative, he’s proving that his impact extends far beyond the gridiron.
In a sports world often filled with controversy and ego-driven headlines, Allen has offered a stark contrast, demonstrating that athletes have the power to drive change in their communities.
Addressing Buffalo's Homelessness Crisis
The need for action in Buffalo is urgent. City data reveals that thousands of residents experience homelessness each year, many of them families with young children. With rising housing costs, job instability, and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the situation is dire.
Allen’s initiative will directly address these issues by:
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Constructing 100 permanent housing units to give families a place to call home.
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Providing 200 emergency shelter beds to offer immediate relief, particularly during Buffalo’s harsh winters.
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Funding job training, healthcare, and support programs to break the cycle of homelessness.
Local leaders have hailed Allen’s effort as a “defining moment” in the fight against homelessness.
Teammates and Coaches Applaud Allen’s Leadership
Allen's announcement was met with overwhelming praise from his teammates and coaches. Head coach Sean McDermott described Allen as "the ultimate leader" while wide receiver Stefon Diggs added, “This is bigger than football. It’s life-changing.”
Longtime Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds echoed these sentiments, saying, "Josh showed us all what heart really looks like."
Bills Fans Rally Behind Allen’s Initiative
Fans were quick to express their admiration for Allen's commitment to his city. Social media exploded with reactions, with many fans commenting, “This man isn’t just our QB, he’s our HERO.”
Hashtags like #AllenHelpsBuffalo and #QBWithAHeart began trending across social platforms, as supporters rallied behind Allen and his mission to help those in need.
A Legacy Beyond Football
While Josh Allen is still at the height of his career, this selfless act has already ensured that his legacy will be defined not just by Super Bowl runs and MVP votes but by the lives he will impact in Buffalo. The Allen Housing Initiative is expected to break ground in early 2026, with plans to serve thousands of residents in need of a second chance at stability.
In a world where athletes are often defined by their contract negotiations and on-field statistics, Allen is proving that true greatness is measured by the difference one can make in the lives of others.
As Allen himself said: “I can’t stand by knowing families are sleeping outside in this city.”
For the people of Buffalo, this act of compassion secures Josh Allen's place as not just a football legend but a true leader of his community. In Allen, the city has found its hero — both on and off the field.
