It’s not a long-term knee injury for Josh Jacobs, but the Pro Bowl running back may miss some time after leaving the New York Giants game on Sunday during the first half.
Through the rest of the matchup, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks split the snaps with different roles. But, even though the team has Pierre Strong Jr. on the practice squad, more depth will be necessary if Jacobs’ further tests on Monday lead to a short-term absence.
Even after the trade deadline has passed, general manager Brian Gutekunst still has options both in the free agent market and going through other teams’ practice squads — the difference is that, by signing a player off a PS, the Packers would have to keep him on the active 53-man roster for at least three weeks. Getting a real free agent gives them more flexibility.
Free agent running back options
The most natural alternative for the Packers would be bringing Israel Abanikanda back. He spent training camp and preseason in Green Bay and offered valuable offensive and special teams snaps. Abanikanda started the season on the practice squad, but was released when Green Bay decided to sign Pierre Strong.
Another old friend who’s available is veteran Jamaal Williams. He doesn’t have explosiveness in the run game — he never did much for NFL standards, but it’s something even more pronounced over the past few years. However, he’s a competent pass protector and a viable receiver, knowing Matt LaFleur’s scheme.
Other outside options include Zack Moss, Gus Edwards, and D’Onta Foreman.
From elsewhere
If the Packers intend to sign someone from another team’s practice squad, the best optin would likely be Jeff Wilson. He played five years on the San Francisco 49ers, then three on the Miami Dolphins. This year, he spent time with both again, and is now on the Dolphins’ PS. That means he knows the basics of the system, having played for Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel.
With that premise, another alternative is 49ers’ Sincere McCormick. If the Packers go by talent, New York Giants’ Dante Miller and Washington Commanders’ Chase Edmonds would be there.
First, the Packers have to see how much time Josh Jacobs will miss, if at all. Then, Gutekunst has different avenues to reinforce the offense as much as possible at this point of the calendar.
