Disaster for Green Bay: Star RB Josh Jacobs Ruled OUT Moments Before Kickoff
Key Takeaways
- The News: Packers leading rusher Josh Jacobs (Quad) has been downgraded to OUT after a failed pregame fitness test.
- The Context: With heavy snow and sub-zero temps at Soldier Field, the ground game was Green Bay’s primary game plan.
- The Fallout: Betting markets reacted instantly; the Bears moved from -3.5 to -5 favorites.
CHICAGO — The Green Bay Packers just lost their most important weapon for the “Snow Bowl.”
In a stunning development 90 minutes before kickoff, the team announced via ESPN that running back Josh Jacobs is officially inactive. Jacobs, who rushed for 1,250 yards this season, was seen testing his injured quadriceps on the snowy Soldier Field turf under the watchful eye of the medical staff. After slipping on a cut, he threw his helmet to the sideline in frustration and limped to the locker room.
Why This Changes Everything
This is the worst-case scenario for Head Coach Matt LaFleur. Tonight’s conditions—12°F with 30 mph gusts—make passing nearly impossible. The Packers needed Jacobs to pound the rock 25+ times to keep the pressure off Jordan Love.
Without him, the load falls to rookie MarShawn Lloyd and veteran AJ Dillon. While Dillon is built for cold weather, he lacks Jacobs’ explosiveness. The Bears’ defense, which allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league over the last six weeks, suddenly has a much simpler game plan: Force Jordan Love to throw a wet, frozen ball.
Official Inactives List
Green Bay Packers:
- RB Josh Jacobs (Quad) – OUT
- LB Quay Walker (Concussion) – OUT
- OT Andre Dillard – OUT
Chicago Bears:
- WR Velus Jones Jr. – OUT
- CB Terell Smith – OUT
- OG Teven Jenkins (Back) – ACTIVE (Huge boost for Bears run game)
What They Said
Adam Schefter, ESPN: “You could see the disappointment on Jacobs’ face. He wanted to go. But on this surface? One bad slip could tear it completely. The Packers are playing the long game with his health, but it might cost them tonight.”
Impact on the Game
The “fear factor” of the Packers’ offense just evaporated. Chicago’s linebackers can now crowd the line of scrimmage without worrying about Jacobs breaking a tackle for 50 yards. Expect the Bears to blitz heavily early on to rattle Love.
Fantasy & Betting Angle: If you have Packers WRs in playoff fantasy, downgrade them. The offense will likely sputter. The Bears covering the spread looks significantly more likely now.
