Josh Jacobs: Did He Get Hurt? What Happened & Why He’s Not Playing

Josh Jacobs has been one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL — and 2025 has been no exception. However, concerns over his availability have been a hot topic among Packers fans, fantasy football managers, and NFL observers alike. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Josh Jacobs’ health status this season, what happened, why he’s missed games, current updates, and what’s next for the star running back.

1. Who Is Josh Jacobs?

Josh Jacobs is a Pro Bowl running back currently starring for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. After successful seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs signed with the Packers in 2024 and instantly became a key piece of their offense.

In 2025, he continued his role as the Packers’ workhorse, known for his power, agility, and consistency on the ground, frequently ranking among the league’s top rushers.

2. The Injury: What Happened to Josh Jacobs?

Knee Injury Early in the Season

During a game against the New York Giants in Week 11 of the 2025 season, Jacobs first suffered a knee injury after a hard contact with the turf early in the game. Although he tried to play through the pain, the swelling and discomfort limited his effectiveness and forced him to leave the game early. 

According to reports:

• MRI scans showed no major structural damage to the knee, which was a positive sign. 

• Teams began treating the injury conservatively, focusing on rest and gradual recovery.

• Jacobs himself described the issue as swelling and stiffness, making it difficult to bend the knee normally. 

Aggravations in Subsequent Games

After the initial knee issue, Jacobs re-aggravated the injury against the Denver Broncos, where he still practiced and played through the pain, earning praise for toughness but raising concerns about his long‐term health. 

This ongoing nature of the injury has made his availability “day-to-day,” meaning he’s evaluated week by week leading up to games. 

3. Why Is Josh Jacobs Not Playing (or Questionable)?

Status as Game-Time Decision

Because his knee condition varies from week to week, Jacobs has been listed as a questionable or game-time decision for multiple matchups. Availability depends on how much swelling and pain he’s experiencing near game day. 

Even when active, the Packers have sometimes limited his role or forced strategic rest to preserve his long-term health.

Practice Reports & Limited Participation

Jacobs has missed practice reps and had restricted participation in some weeks, which impacts his chances of being fully available on Sundays. 

This is not unusual for NFL backs, especially after knee swelling, but it does impact play calling and offensive rhythm.

Other Minor Issues in 2025

Before the knee concern, Jacobs dealt with a calf strain and illness earlier in the season, which once made him a true game-time decision. 
These smaller injuries did not lead to long absences, but they contributed to ongoing load management throughout the season.

4. Latest Status: Week 16 and Beyond

Week 16 Active Status

Despite recent injury concerns, the Packers listed Josh Jacobs as active for their Week 16 game against the Chicago Bears. 

NFL insider reports noted that both Jacobs and receiver Christian Watson practiced and were expected to play — a major boost to Green Bay’s offense. 

Packers Injury Context

The Packers have been dealing with multiple injuries across the roster, including to other starters. Jacobs’ health is just one of several factors impacting their performance down the stretch. 

5. What This Means for the Packers

Offensive Impact

When healthy, Jacobs is a central part of the Packers’ rushing attack. His absence or limited role affects:

• Run game efficiency

• Time of possession

• Play-action passing effectiveness

Packers coaches have often tempered expectations, emphasizing long-term health over short-term gains.

Fantasy Football Implications

In fantasy leagues, Jacobs’ variable status creates a high-risk, high-reward situation. If he plays, he remains a top RB due to volume; if he sits, backups see increased usage.

Managers must watch weekly injury reports and game-time announcements closely.

6. Timeline: From Injury to Return

Jets don’t show signs of major structural damage, but Jacobs’ timeline has included flare-ups of pain and swelling, leading to conservative management.

7. Josh Jacobs’ Own Words on Playing Hurt

Jacobs is known for his tough mentality and leadership. He has reiterated that:

• He wants to play despite pain.

• He and the team sometimes have differing perspectives on readiness.

• Rest is the only true way to heal, but he’s willing to push through discomfort to help the Packers.

8. Common Misconceptions

“He’s Out for the Season”

Not true — the injury was not structural, and the team has repeatedly clarified that Jacobs is a week-to-week player, not sidelined for the year. 

“He Always Misses Games When Hurt”

While Jacobs has dealt with injuries, he’s historically very durable, missing very few games earlier in his career.

9. Expert Analysis & What to Watch

Medical Perspective

Knee swelling and contusion injuries often require rest and gradual load increases. Overplaying too soon can lead to prolonged issues, which is why the Packers have been cautious.

Coach & Team Strategy

Green Bay’s offense adjusts plays and carries for Jacobs based on:

• Practice participation

• Warm-ups on gameday

• MRI and trainer evaluations

This adaptive approach helps protect him while keeping him available as long as possible.

10. What’s Next for Josh Jacobs

The rest of the 2025 season will likely unfold like this:

• Weekly evaluations based on symptoms and game importance

• Limited workloads when active

• Focus on playoff readiness if the Packers qualify

His value remains high, but management of his health is a priority.

FAQs: Josh Jacobs Injury & Playing Status

1. Did Josh Jacobs actually get hurt?
Yes. He suffered a knee injury in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season and has since managed swelling and pain that affect his game availability.

2. Why is Josh Jacobs questionable/not playing?
His knee condition is managed week-to-week depending on pain, swelling, and practice participation. When symptoms flare, he may be inactive or limited. 

3. Is his injury serious?
Thankfully, MRI reports show no structural damage — the issue is swelling and irritation, not ligament tears. 

4. Has he missed games due to this injury?
Yes — he missed at least one game after the initial knee issue when it was too painful to play. 

5. Is he expected back?
Yes — Jacobs remains active and has played even while managing the injury. His week-to-week status depends on how he feels near kickoff. 

6. What happens if he can’t play?
Packers backups will take on more rushing workload, and the team will emphasize short-yardage runs and passing options. Fantasy managers may pivot to alternative RB starts.