Josh Jacobs Voices Frustration Over Recent Benching
Green Bay, Wis. – Josh Jacobs, the Green Bay Packers running back, has been battling through injuries for several weeks. His recent performance was notably impacted when he fumbled near the goal line during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears last week. After that, he did not see any more offensive snaps.
When asked about the decision to bench him, Jacobs expressed confusion. “I don’t really know, to be honest,” he stated after Wednesday’s practice. “Just kind of a collective decision. I got hit a few plays before that on the fourth-and-1 on the knee, so it was kind of stiffening up. So, collective decision.”
Underlying Frustration
Despite labeling it a collective decision, Jacobs’ tone indicated his displeasure. He seemed annoyed, and when pressed on whether he was frustrated, he candidly replied, “Of course. I mean, anybody that wants to play, especially once you have a play like that that you want to obviously make up for or things like that, you want to play.”
While he acknowledged the performance of teammate Emanuel Wilson, who was active during that time, it was clear that Jacobs felt sidelined by circumstances beyond his control. This wasn’t the upbeat Jacobs who seemed to relish the challenge of playing through pain; his demeanor hinted at a deeper dissatisfaction.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich noted that Jacobs’ disappointment was palpable. “I’m sure he’s really upset that he fumbled down there, for sure,” he remarked. When asked whether Jacobs was benched due to the fumble or his injury, Stenavich confirmed, “Yeah, I’m never not going to want Josh Jacobs in the game. Ever.”
Injury Impacting Play
Jacobs’ health has been a concern, particularly after he was sidelined during a critical moment in the game. “That was the most important play of the game,” he reflected, highlighting the significance of the onside kick that followed. The shift from a Sunday game against Denver to a Saturday night matchup with the Bears left Jacobs without practice leading up to the game. His performance reflected this struggle; he carried the ball 12 times for just 36 yards before his fumble ended his night.
In his absence, Wilson stepped up, amassing 14 carries for 82 yards, effectively outpacing Jacobs in yards per carry. “There’s still a lot of football left,” Jacobs said in response to the changing dynamics in the backfield. “We’ve still got a lot of football to play. I wasn’t even 100 percent supposed to play in the game, so it’s just like, I already knew what it was going to be just in general for my day, especially once I got hit on the knee and so it just kind of is what it is.”
Coaching Perspectives
Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed a desire to give Jacobs a rest but acknowledged the pressing need to secure a playoff spot. “What’s best for the short term, as well as trying to weigh in the long term,” he explained, illustrating the delicate balance the coaching staff must navigate amid Jacobs’ ongoing struggles.
Jacobs’ practice participation this week signals a potential step forward, even if the progress is fragile. He described his condition as “weird,” noting the unpredictable nature of his recovery. “Some days I kind of feel good and then some days I don’t. It’s just weird,” he added.
Changing Landscape for Running Backs
Jacobs, along with fellow standout running backs Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley, shifted the market dynamics for veteran players last offseason. After impressive Pro Bowl seasons, they each saw their performance taper off this year. As of Week 17, Jacobs ranks 16th among running backs with 926 rushing yards, while Henry and Barkley sit higher in the rankings but have also faced challenges.
As Jacobs prepares for an upcoming game, he will have the spotlight alongside Henry, with both players aiming to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Reflecting on his Alabama roots, Jacobs reminisced about Henry’s impact, stating, “He used to come back all the time, work out and, obviously, he’s like a legend there.” Their shared history serves as a reminder of the standard they set for themselves and the pressure they face in the league today.
Jacobs concluded with a sense of camaraderie, emphasizing that their conversations often revolve around life rather than football. “We don’t really talk about football too much when we talk. We just talk about life,” he said, hinting at the deeper connections that define their journey as athletes.
