Packers Receive Brutal Josh Jacobs Injury Outlook After Giants Win
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Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs left Sunday's game against the Giants with a knee injury
It appears the MetLifeStadium turf has claimed another victim.
While the Green Bay Packers left Sunday’s Week 11 game against the New York Giants with a 27-20 win, it came with a price.
Star running back Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season with the Packers last year, exited Sunday’s game in the first quarter with a concerning knee injury.
Jacobs had 40 yards on seven carries at the time of the injury, which seemed caused by the MetLife turf. As Jacobs was pushed out of bounds, his left knee made direct impact with the turf.
He returned after being evaluated in the blue medical tent, but he later headed to the locker room after favoring the same knee.
Josh Jacobs Likely to Miss Significant Time
Details and severity of Jacobs’ injury likely won’t be known until Monday morning when the former first-round pick undergoes further testing.
However, sports medicine physician and Injury Expertz CEO Jesse Morse had a grim outlook. Morse speculated that Jacobs suffered a PCL injury that could sideline him for a number of weeks.
“Left knee sprain, likely PCL,” Morse wrote on X. “You can see him land on a flexed knee here. These lead to a lot of instability in the knee and players have trouble stopping and starting.
“Same injury that sidelined Brock Bowers and Ricky Pearsall this year. If mild he could return in Week 12, but likely to miss 1-4+ weeks. Pearsall missed 6 games with a grade 2 PCL sprain.”
#GoPackGo Josh Jacobs took direct L-knee impact with the turf while flexed — mechanism fits a contusion (best care) or possible PCL sprain (worst case). He was assessed in the tent in Q1, briefly returned, then headed to the locker room in Q2.
If Jacobs is sidelined for any significant amount of time over the next month, he could miss key games against the Minnesota Vikings (Nov. 23), Detroit Lions (Nov. 27), Chicago Bears (Dec. 7), and Denver Broncos (Dec. 14).
All four teams are still in the playoff hunt, and just three games separate the NFC North-leading Bears and the last-place Vikings. A half-game separates second-place Detroit and third-place Green Bay.
HC Matt LaFleur Speaks on Jacobs’ Prognosis
If there is a silver lining to Jacobs’ situation, it’s that it’s believed his injury won’t end his season.
“Josh Jacobs’ knee injury is not believed to be season-ending, but more tests will done on Monday back in Green Bay, per @RobDemovsky,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X.
After the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur affirmed the team is worried about the severity of Jacobs’ injury.
“I think anytime a player, especially of his magnitude, but anytime a player doesn’t finish a game, you’re always concerned about the welfare of them,” LaFleur said.
Heading into Week 11, Jacobs ranked second in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (11), fourth in carries (162), and 14th in rushing yards (608).
With Jacobs out, the bulk of Green Bay’s carries will go to Emanuel Wilson. The 26-year-old tailback rushed 40 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries after replacing Jacobs against the Giants. He ranks second on the team in both rushes (42) and yards (180) this season.
The only other RB on the Packers roster is Chris Brooks. He has just 2 carries for 2 yards in 9 games. Green Bay will presumably make a roster move to add another RB. Elevating Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man roster makes the most sense.
Kevin Stefanski Confirms Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders Will Start Depending on Concussion Test
Cleveland, OH – As the Cleveland Browns prepare for their crucial matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Kevin Stefanski has confirmed that the starting quarterback role will be decided based on Dillon Gabriel’s recovery from a recent concussion.
In a press conference earlier this week, Stefanski outlined the situation, stating that if Gabriel passes his final concussion protocols, he will be the starter. However, if Gabriel is unable to clear the necessary tests, Shedeur Sanders will be given the reins as the starting quarterback for the game.
“Dillon is working hard to get back, and if he’s cleared, we’re confident he’ll be ready to lead the offense,” Stefanski said. “But we also know that Shedeur has been preparing, and if Dillon can’t go, we have full faith in Shedeur to step up and handle the responsibility. It’s a week-to-week decision based on Dillon’s health.”
Gabriel, who has been impressive as the Browns’ starting quarterback this season, suffered a concussion in their previous game and has been undergoing the NFL’s concussion protocol. His ability to clear the tests in time for the game will determine whether he can continue to lead the team.
On the other hand, Sanders, the promising backup who has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity, will be ready to step into the starting role if needed. “Shedeur has done a great job of staying sharp and ready,” Stefanski continued. “He’s been preparing as though he’s going to start, and that mentality is key for a quarterback in his position.”
With the Browns in a competitive position for the playoffs, the decision on who starts at quarterback is a critical one. Gabriel’s mobility and playmaking ability have been a key part of the team’s offensive success, but Sanders’ potential and readiness add an interesting dynamic to the situation.
As the week progresses, all eyes will be on the final concussion check, with Stefanski and the Browns hopeful that Gabriel will be cleared to play. However, should the unexpected happen, the Browns are confident that Sanders can step in without missing a beat.
