Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will undergo surgery this week to repair a fractured ring finger sustained during the team’s 45-27 victory over the New England Patriots, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Monday.
The injury occurred early in the first quarter when Jacobs’ right hand became caught in the facemask of Patriots defender Craig Woodson while the running back was attempting a stiff-arm.
Team training staff worked on the injury throughout the game, including wrapping the hand in tape and later applying a custom cast, but Jacobs struggled during sideline passing drills. LaFleur said that the running back was ultimately unable to play because he could not securely grip the football.
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“He tried last night. He tried to go back in, and he had no grip strength,” LaFleur told reporters. The 28-year-old running back reportedly popped the finger back into place himself on the sideline before the medical staff intervened.
While the exact duration of the running back’s absence remains officially “to be determined,” reporting suggests a relatively short recovery window. Sources indicate Jacobs could return to action in as few as two to three weeks.
#Packers RB Josh Jacobs, who will have surgery later this week on his broken ring finger, could return as quickly as 2-3 weeks, sources say. Green Bay will decide Saturday if IR is necessary but it’s not guaranteed. Jacobs is out vs the #Vikings before the bye. After that, he’s… pic.twitter.com/A2tJx62NEc
The operation is categorized as a repair for a “clean” break. The Packers face a decision on whether to place Jacobs on injured reserve, a move that would mandate a minimum four-game absence. Addressing the possibility, LaFleur stated, “I think everything’s on the table.”
If the two-to-three-week recovery window holds, Jacobs could potentially return in Week 12 for the game against the Los Angeles Rams or in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints. He is ruled out for the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Matt LaFleur said the Packers don't necessarily have to make a move at running back ahead of the trade deadline with Josh Jacobs shelved for the next several weeks. "There's a good chance Chris Brooks will be back," said LaFleur. "It was encouraging to see what Kaleb did out…
Jacobs’ injury arrives as Green Bay looks to improve its inconsistent running game. Prior to the Patriots game, the team’s meager rushing average was approximately 61 yards per game. During Sunday’s win, the Packers totaled 129 rushing yards.
The team relied on Kaleb Johnson, a second-year player acquired via trade at the end of training camp, to fill the void. Johnson recorded a career-high 68 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a 34-yard gain in the fourth quarter, which stands as the team’s longest single rushing play of the season.
LaFleur praised Johnson’s performance, noting the running back had to spend time learning pass protections since his arrival. “He played really good. He played really good,” Jacobs said of his teammate’s performance.
The backfield rotation is changing as players on the roster deal with health issues:
- MarShawn Lloyd: Remained inactive for the New England matchup while managing knee discomfort. His status for the upcoming game against Minnesota remains uncertain.
- Chris Brooks: Nearing a return from an injury that has kept him on injured reserve since October 10.
- Pierre Strong Jr.: Remains available to handle backfield duties alongside Johnson.
Following the home game against Minnesota, the team will have an extended break before playing the Los Angeles Rams in a game on Thanksgiving Eve. This will be followed by another extended break before a December 6 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Jacobs’ return to the lineup earlier this season followed a six-week stint on the Commissioner Exempt List, where he was placed following an arrest in May 2026 in connection to a domestic incident.
In three games since his return, he has totaled 80 rushing yards on 36 carries with one touchdown, alongside 11 receptions for 68 yards and two additional scores. Despite his prior status as a three-time Pro Bowler, Jacobs has averaged 2.2 yards per carry this season.
