Nobody enjoys the “questionable” tag on the injury report. It’s especially worrisome when a player is dealing with multiple issues, and even more alarming when the team makes a last-minute roster move.
Josh Jacobs checks all of those disconcerting boxes. The official word is that he’s questionable to play in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals due to illness and a calf injury.
Now, the Green Bay Packers have elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. to the gameday roster. It’s unclear whether it’s related to Jacobs’ status, but it’s a concerning sign.
Packers elevating Pierre Strong Jr. leaves fans concerned about Josh Jacobs’ status for Week 7
It could be completely unrelated, which is important to stress. Strong has return experience, so the Packers may be taking advantage of an opportunity to improve their special teams play.
Green Bay has also added cornerback Keisean Nixon to the injury report due to an illness — he is questionable. Strong’s call-up may actually be to provide more special teams cover, should Nixon miss the game.
Either way, the timing raises alarm bells. Jacobs practiced fully on Friday, which is a positive sign, but there’s still no word on his status for this week’s game. He’s questionable. That’s all we know.
It potentially suggests the Packers want an emergency third running back available should Jacobs miss the game, which may mean he’s closer to being a game-time decision than initially thought.
Jacobs’ name appearing on the injury report isn’t new, but it’s rare for him to miss a game. The three-time Pro Bowler has only missed 10 games out of a possible 105, and he usually toughs it out and battles through injuries. Just last week, Jacobs delivered an outstanding performance despite dealing with an illness. Head coach Matt LaFleur called it his “flu game.”
Sunday may be no different. It takes a lot for Jacobs to miss time, but his questionable tag, along with the Packers elevating Strong to the gameday roster, at least raises questions about his status.
It’s something to watch closely.
