Josh Jacobs Steels Himself for Bears Showdown Amid Injury Concerns
Josh Jacobs, the resilient running back for the Green Bay Packers, recalls a pivotal moment during his junior year at McLain High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was during that season that he broke his clavicle, a painful experience that cemented his desire to be on the field rather than watching from the sidelines. “I was like, yeah, I can’t do this,” Jacobs reflected. “To me, it’s depressing. Either I’m playing or I don’t want to look at it too much. That’s just kind of how I am.”
As the Packers gear up for a fierce rivalry matchup against the Chicago Bears—where the stakes include first place in the NFC North—Jacobs’ determination shines through. Despite battling swelling in his knee, which he injured against the New York Giants four weeks prior, Jacobs is resolute about his intentions for Saturday night’s game.
A Trust Built Over Years
Jacobs, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to score two impressive touchdowns last week against the Denver Broncos, is eager to contribute. “If it’s up to me, yeah, for sure I’m going to try to go,” he stated confidently.
His relationship with head coach Matt LaFleur has evolved over Jacobs’ two seasons with the Packers. “I just know he knows my mindset,” Jacobs explained, acknowledging that they’ve had discussions about his availability in the past. “Every time I had a pretty good game. I think he’s probably to the point where he’s like, ‘Man, I’m just going to trust you. If you say you can do it and you believe that you can do, then I’m going to let you go.’”
While the Packers did not practice on Tuesday, Jacobs’ desire to participate remains steadfast. Prioritizing his health for game day, he understands the importance of being physically prepared. “I’ll never count him out of the fight, I’ll tell you that,” LaFleur affirmed, emphasizing Jacobs’ tenacity.
A Reluctance to Watch
Jacobs’ commitment to the game is evident; in his two seasons with the Packers, he has missed just one game—due to a quick turnaround following an injury. “One thing I will say about this organization is that they do truly have your best interests at heart,” Jacobs noted. He recognizes the team’s cautious approach but ultimately believes that the decision to play rests with him. “It’s my decision at the end of the day. What do I feel? Do I feel like I’m going to hinder the team? Do I feel like I can add value to the team? If I feel like I can, I’m going to do everything I can to play.”
In their previous encounter against the Bears, Jacobs showcased his value with 20 carries for 86 yards, highlighted by a remarkable 21-yard run that transformed a potential loss into a momentum-shifting play. He further impressed with a touchdown catch and a 40-yard run against the Broncos, illustrating his capability even with limited touches.
Pushing Through Pain
However, the physical toll of the game is real. Jacobs admitted that he felt discomfort during the Broncos game, especially after a tough third-and-1 run. “Sometimes you’ve got to talk to yourself, man,” he said, reflecting on the mental battle of pushing through pain.
Currently, Jacobs is managing swelling in his left knee with treatment, including wearing a Firefly device that promotes blood flow. Yet, he knows that true recovery requires rest—something he cannot afford at this crucial juncture of the season.
A Fight Worth Fighting
With playoff aspirations on the line and Jacobs’ personal goals still within reach, his motivation to perform is clear. “I would say, obviously, we have something to play for,” he said. The urgency of the situation makes his decision to push through the pain even more compelling. “Because of the fact that we have something to play for… why would I not try to go strive to get those or strive to help this team if it’s still in front of us?”
As Jacobs prepares to face the Bears, his determination to be on the field speaks volumes about his character. He embodies the fighting spirit that defines the Packers as they pursue their playoff ambitions.
