Packers Get Josh Jacobs Back for Thanksgiving Showdown Against Lions

The Green Bay Packers will have their top rusher, Josh Jacobs, back in the lineup for Thursday’s Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions after missing the Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings with a knee injury. Jacobs’ return comes at a crucial time as Green Bay looks to stabilize its offense.

The 27-year-old three-time Pro Bowler was cleared to play with no injury designation, and he is expected to start and resume his role as the Packers’ primary ball-carrier. His presence brings balance to a team that has leaned heavily on the passing game in recent weeks.

During Jacobs’ absence, the Packers relied on backup Emanuel Wilson, who impressed against the Vikings with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns. While Wilson provided a strong performance, Jacobs’ return will allow him to slide back into a complementary role.

Green Bay’s offense, which has struggled with efficiency, can benefit from Jacobs’ ability to carry the load both as a rusher and as a receiving option out of the backfield. His return could help quarterback Jordan Love find a more balanced attack against Detroit.

1. Jacobs’ Impact on the Packers Offense

Josh Jacobs enters the Thanksgiving matchup with 648 rushing yards, 237 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns this season. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him the focal point of Green Bay’s offense. Having Jacobs available adds a layer of unpredictability for the Packers, as defenses must respect both his inside runs and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. This dual-threat capability should help open up passing lanes for Love and the receiving corps. The Packers’ running game struggled to maintain the same balance without Jacobs, relying on Emanuel Wilson to carry the load. While Wilson performed admirably, he does not offer the same experience and playmaking ability that Jacobs provides. Jacobs’ return also allows Green Bay to control the tempo of the game, sustain drives, and potentially keep Detroit’s potent offense off the field. His versatility is expected to be a central part of the game plan on Thursday.

2. Thanksgiving History and Expectations

The last time the Packers and Lions met on Thanksgiving Day was in 2023, when Green Bay won 29-22. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 268 yards and three touchdowns while completing nearly 69% of his passes. Jacobs was not yet on the roster at the time. The upcoming game is expected to be a high-profile matchup as both teams battle for position in the NFC. With Jacobs back, Green Bay hopes to replicate the balance and effectiveness of past victories. Coaches and players alike recognize the importance of maintaining offensive stability and utilizing Jacobs’ strengths to challenge the Lions’ defense. His ability to break tackles, convert short-yardage situations, and contribute in the passing game will be key to the Packers’ game plan. Success against Detroit could set the tone for the Packers’ offense as they head into the final stretch of the season, giving the team momentum and confidence heading into crucial late-season matchups.

3. Matchup Outlook Against the Lions

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The Detroit Lions boast a strong defensive front that will test Josh Jacobs and the Packers’ offensive line early and often. Green Bay will need to establish the run to keep Detroit’s pass rush honest and create space for Jordan Love to operate. Linebackers and defensive ends for the Lions are adept at containing power runners, which means Jacobs’ vision, cutback ability, and physicality will be crucial to sustaining drives. Expect the Packers to incorporate a mix of inside runs and outside zones to exploit any gaps in Detroit’s front seven. Special teams and situational plays will also play a role, as Green Bay looks to maximize opportunities in the red zone. Jacobs’ presence on short-yardage and goal-line situations gives the Packers added flexibility in play-calling. Ultimately, the matchup against Detroit represents a key opportunity for Jacobs to reassert his role as the team’s centerpiece, and for the Packers to leverage his versatility to control the flow of the game.