Packers' Star Running Back Set for Thanksgiving Return
After missing Week 12 with a knee contusion and thigh bruise, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs appears ready to make his comeback on the national stage. The veteran ball carrier has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the week, but multiple reports now indicate he'll suit up for Thursday's crucial Thanksgiving showdown against the Detroit Lions.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Progress
Jacobs suffered his injuries prior to the Packers' Week 12 contest, which forced him to watch from sidelines as his teammates battled without him. The reporting around his condition has swung between caution and confidence throughout the recovery process, creating uncertainty among fans and analysts alike.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport delivered the most optimistic update, stating that Jacobs "should be good to go" for Thursday's divisional matchup. This assessment aligns perfectly with what Jacobs himself told ESPN's Rob Demovsky last week, when the running back declared, "Worst case if I don't play this week, Thursday I'm definitely playing."
The Packers' practice reports have maintained consistency in their approach to Jacobs' recovery. He was listed as a limited participant to open Week 13, mirroring exactly how the team managed his workload last week before ultimately ruling him out.
Coaching Strategy and Final Decision Timeline
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has maintained his typical injury information protocol, refusing to tip his hand early in the week. On Tuesday, LaFleur told reporters that both Jacobs and cornerback Keisean Nixon would be game-time decisions, leaving the final call until approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.
This approach fits LaFleur's established pattern of keeping injury status close to the vest. The team's estimated practice report continues to list Jacobs as a limited participant, though the tone from national reporters and the player himself suggests he'll be available barring any unexpected setbacks during Wednesday's session.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero provided important context about why Jacobs didn't suit up in Week 12, reporting that the Packers chose caution due to the quick turnaround rather than any new complications with his recovery. Pelissero noted there was no pregame workout, and the final decision came down to a conversation when Jacobs arrived at the stadium.
Broader NFL Injury Landscape
While Jacobs prepares for his return, another NFL star is also making headlines with his comeback timeline. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is set to return Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens, just 69 days after undergoing surgery for a grade 3 turf toe injury.
Burrow suffered the injury during Week 2 against Jacksonville when his foot got caught in the turf during a routine dropback. His absence proved devastating for the Bengals, who managed only one victory in eight games without their franchise quarterback.
Despite Cincinnati's 3-8 record and dim playoff prospects, Burrow defended his decision to return, stating, "I'm a football player. I get paid a lot of money to go and play a game with my friends... that's something I wanted to do." The quarterback emphasized that he never considered shutting things down to protect himself, reinforcing his identity as a competitor regardless of team record.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the return of key players like Jacobs and Burrow adds significant intrigue to the holiday NFL slate, giving fans compelling storylines to follow alongside their turkey and stuffing.
