The Green Bay Packers may have Josh Jacobs back as soon as Week 12 without placing him on injured reserve. The running back is expected to need two to three weeks to recover from finger surgery, leaving open the possibility that he could play against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Packers have a bye in Week 11, between their games against Minnesota and Los Angeles. If Jacobs is ready for the Rams matchup, he would miss only one game. However, his return depends on whether he has recovered enough to handle the ball safely.
## Jacobs’ Recovery Timeline
Jacobs underwent surgery in Los Angeles on Friday to repair a fracture in his right ring finger. The procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Shin, whom NFL reporter Ian Rapoport described as one of the nation’s leading experts.
Rapoport said Jacobs’ recovery is expected to take two to three weeks. Green Bay chose not to place him on injured reserve, which would have required him to miss at least four games. Keeping him off the list preserves the possibility of an earlier return, though it does not guarantee he will be available against the Rams.
The Packers visit Los Angeles on Thanksgiving Eve before traveling to play the New Orleans Saints in Week 13.
## Packers’ Backfield Without Jacobs
Jacobs injured his finger during Green Bay’s win over the New England Patriots. He finished with five yards on four carries. Coach Matt LaFleur said Jacobs tried to return to the game but could not grip the ball effectively.
Kaleb Johnson helped fill the gap against New England, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. His 34-yard run was the Packers’ longest of the season. Johnson also recorded Green Bay’s second-longest run, a 31-yard gain against Tampa Bay.
Jacobs’ return would give LaFleur another option in a Packers rushing attack that ranked last in the NFL before the team’s game against Minnesota. For now, Green Bay has kept its starting running back eligible to return as soon as his recovery allows.
