Josh Jacobs Injury Update: Is the Packers Star Out for Week 7 vs Cardinals? Latest Shocking Report

The spotlight for Week 7 of the NFL regular season turns squarely to the Josh Jacobs situation: the star running back for the Green Bay Packers is listed as a game-time decision heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals after battling both a calf injury and an illness.

Injury & Illness: A Double Hit

Jacobs’ status is clouded by two simultaneous issues: a lingering calf problem that curtailed his practice participation this week, and a reported illness that has further complicated his readiness. The club will hold off on a final determination until pre-game warmups, making him one of the most closely watched players heading into Week 7.

What Green Bay is Doing

In anticipation of the possibility that Jacobs may not suit up, the Packers promoted Pierre Strong from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday.That kind of move is often a strong signal that a team expects to lean on depth at a key position — in this case, the backfield — should their starter falter or sit out.

If Jacobs is unable to play, the next man up appears to be Emanuel Wilson, an undrafted free agent now in his third NFL season. In limited usage so far this year, Wilson has tallied 84 rushing yards on 18 carries (averaging 5.0 yards per carry) through five games. Although he has yet to start an NFL game, his efficiency and fresh legs make him an intriguing option if Jacobs can’t go.

Impact on the Packers Offense

Jacobs’ absence would present a meaningful challenge for Green Bay. Since signing with the Packers after five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s become a central piece of head coach Matt LaFleur’s ground-game scheme. In 2024, Jacobs ran for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season in Wisconsin. Through five games this season, he’s continued that pace with 359 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 98 carries.

Without him, the Packers may need to adjust their offensive approach—potentially relying more heavily on quarterback Jordan Love and the passing game, or spreading the carries among Wilson, Strong and perhaps other backs. This could affect the team’s identity and efficiency against a disciplined Cardinals defence.

Fantasy Football Fallout

The uncertainty surrounding Jacobs also flows into fantasy football leagues. If Jacobs is ruled out, Emanuel Wilson immediately becomes a strong waiver-wire and flex play candidate given the increased volume he would likely see. Pierre Strong also becomes a speculative pick, particularly in point-per-carry or all-purpose back formats. Fantasy managers will be watching pre-game reports closely, as a late scratch could quickly shift the available options.

Why This Story Matters

This isn’t simply a routine injury update. The outcome of Jacobs’ availability touches on several major storylines:

• Green Bay’s playoff hopes: A win in Week 7 is important for the Packers’ position in the NFC, and losing their premier rusher would complicate matters.

• Offensive identity: Will the Packers stick with their run-first approach or pivot to keep momentum?

• Fantasy landscape: As one of the top fantasy running backs, Jacobs’ status will ripple through lineups and waiver decisions across leagues.

• Cardinals matchup: Facing Arizona, the Packers want to bring their best ground game. Without their leader back, things could shift dramatically.

What to Watch During Pre-Game

• Warm-up reports: The official decision will be made after warm-ups. Pay attention to team beat writers and official injury reports.

• On-field usage: Even if Jacobs suits up, his usage might be limited; monitor what the Packers plan to do early in the game.

• Backup impact: If Wilson and/or Strong take on heavier workloads, that could change the dynamic of the game and fantasy projections.

• Offensive adjustments: How does Green Bay adjust their play-calling if the ground game is compromised? Does the passing attack ramp up?

Final Word

Heading into Week 7, the health of Josh Jacobs is more than a footnote—it’s a bell-wether for the Packers’ immediate fortunes. Whether he plays or not will have implications for Green Bay’s ground game, fantasy managers’ rosters, and the narrative of the matchup with the Cardinals. As always, keep an eye on the final injury report and pre-game updates — this one may not be settled until kickoff.