Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs underwent successful surgery on a fractured right ring finger and is expected to return in the coming weeks. The procedure followed an injury that forced him out of Green Bay’s 45-27 win over the New England Patriots on Nov. 8.
Jacobs left the game in the first quarter after carrying the ball four times for five yards. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the following day that surgery was necessary. LaFleur said Jacobs had tried to return to the game but did not have enough grip strength to continue playing.
The injury initially left the running back’s recovery schedule uncertain. After the operation, however, reports offered a clearer estimate: Jacobs should be back within the next few weeks. A previous report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz indicated that Jacobs was expected to miss no more than three weeks following surgery.
## Jacobs has successful surgery on fractured finger
Jacobs had the operation on Friday in Los Angeles. The surgery was performed by Dr. Steven Shin, a hand and wrist surgeon. The successful procedure marked an important step in Jacobs’ recovery, though the Packers have not announced a specific date for his return.
The team had been weighing its options before the surgery. On Monday, LaFleur said that placing Jacobs on injured reserve remained a possibility, describing the situation as one in which “everything is on the table.” An injured reserve move would affect Jacobs’ availability while he recovers, but the Packers had not confirmed whether they would take that step.
For now, the reported expectation is that Jacobs could be back within a few weeks. The exact timing will depend on his recovery and the team’s decisions as it evaluates his progress. The surgery update provides a general window, but it does not establish a firm return date.
Jacobs’ injury came during a stretch in which he had recently returned from the commissioner’s exempt list and dealt with subsequent injuries. Across three appearances since returning, he recorded 148 total yards and three touchdowns. His absence leaves Green Bay without one of its key options in the backfield as the team prepares for its next game.
## How Jacobs’ absence could affect Green Bay’s backfield
Kaleb Johnson stepped in against New England and is set to take over as Green Bay’s lead running back while Jacobs is unavailable. Johnson will be supported by MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong and Chris Brooks, who are also in the mix behind him.
The change gives the Packers’ other running backs an opportunity to take on more responsibility. Johnson was the player who stepped into the role during the Patriots game, and he is expected to lead the group for now. The team can also use Lloyd, Strong and Brooks as it manages the workload in Jacobs’ absence.
Green Bay faces the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10. The Packers will need to prepare for that matchup while monitoring Jacobs’ recovery and deciding whether to place him on injured reserve. His successful surgery is encouraging, but the reported estimate of a return in the coming weeks leaves open the possibility that he will miss additional time.
Until the Packers make a roster decision or provide a more specific update, the backfield plan will center on Johnson and the available reserves. Jacobs’ return timeline remains tied to how he progresses after surgery, while Green Bay balances his recovery with its immediate needs at running back.
