The Green Bay Packers’ offense had largely avoided major setbacks through the early stretch of training camp, but that calm shifted Thursday when starting running back Josh Jacobs stayed out of regular drills.
Jacobs was spotted without pads and spent the session working alongside a rehab trainer instead of participating with the rest of the group. The development marked his first absence of the camp period.
Reports quickly identified the issue as a groin injury. The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman provided the key update, writing, “Josh Jacobs (groin) is a new DNP. Not believed to be anything concerning.”
That assessment offered some comfort to a fan base that has watched Jacobs become a central piece of the offense since he joined the team in 2024. For a running back, his durability has stood out. Over the past two seasons he has missed only one game, sidelined by a knee contusion in Week 12.
Even so, that earlier knee problem lingered and contributed to a noticeable drop in production after his Pro Bowl campaign the year before. Heading into this offseason, Jacobs appeared to be in good health until the groin issue surfaced.
Team observers indicated the current setback should not develop into a longer-term problem that would keep him out of further practices or the start of the regular season. Still, any absence for the primary ball carrier raises questions about the depth behind him.
Green Bay chose not to retain primary backup Emmanuel Wilson this offseason. Wilson declined his restricted free agent tender and signed with the Seattle Seahawks for $2.1 million after the Packers declined to match or exceed that figure. The tender would have cost the club $3.5 million.
In Wilson’s place, MarShawn Lloyd is expected to step into the No. 2 role. Chris Brooks, signed to a two-year, $4.85 million contract, is projected to handle third-down duties. The arrangement leaves the position group thinner than many would prefer.
Lloyd’s own injury history adds another layer of uncertainty. He has carried the ball only six times across his first two NFL seasons because of repeated physical setbacks. Although Lloyd has said he believes those issues are behind him, coaches will likely remain cautious until he completes a full campaign without interruption.
Beyond Lloyd and Brooks, the depth chart offers limited proven options. Players such as Damien Martinez and undrafted free agent Jaden Nixon remain long shots to earn active-roster spots unless they impress significantly in the remaining practices and preseason games.
Head coach Matt LaFleur has emphasized building a reliable rotation at running back, yet the current situation leaves little margin for additional absences. Should Jacobs miss more time or if Lloyd encounters further problems, the Packers may need to explore outside help through free agency or trades before the roster cuts begin.
For now, the organization is treating Jacobs’ groin injury as a minor matter. The veteran has shown resilience throughout his career, and the early indications suggest he could return without extended downtime. Practice reports over the next several days will provide clearer answers about how soon he can resume full participation.
The Packers continue to evaluate their backfield options carefully as training camp moves into its middle phase.
Maintaining health at the position remains a priority heading toward the start of the regular season.
