Packers Host Panthers as Green Bay Seeks to Fix Rushing Attack

The Green Bay Packers host the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Lambeau Field in a prime-time NFC clash where both teams seek to rebound from divisional and defensive struggles.

A pair of ticked-off teams will square off when the Green Bay Packers face the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night under the lights at Lambeau Field. The Packers enter the matchup at 4-3, carrying frustration from a 20-17 loss at Detroit where late penalties derailed their afternoon. Carolina arrives at 3-3, eager to correct course after getting blown out 43-13 at home by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ground Game Struggles and Josh Jacobs’ Return for Green Bay

Green Bay’s offensive identity has hit a profound roadblock on the ground. The Packers rank dead last in the NFL, averaging a league-low 2.9 yards per carry. They remain the only team in the league that has yet to rush for 100 yards in a single contest this season.

Running back Josh Jacobs made his season debut against Detroit after spending the first six weeks on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Head coach Matt LaFleur noted that during the suspension, Jacobs could attend meetings and lift weights but couldn’t go to any of the team activities – the practices and what not. In his return, Jacobs carried 11 times for 36 yards.

The matchup offers a potential remedy. Carolina enters the game allowing a league-worst 153.2 rushing yards per contest, having surrendered 258 yards on the ground to the Buccaneers last week. Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown accepted responsibility for the room as the team works to shore up its run defense.

Panthers and Packers Injuries Test Both Depth Charts

Short weeks compress preparation schedules, exposing depth issues across both rosters. Green Bay is dealing with significant injuries along its offensive line. Center Sean Rhyan is sidelined, and backup center Jacob Monk is also missing after the Lions game.

Out wide, Jordan Love could be without receiver Matthew Golden, who missed Monday and Tuesday practices due to shoulder and foot injuries. LaFleur expressed hope that Golden would play but acknowledged that the short week limited the team to walk-through speed rather than full contact reps.

Carolina faces its own critical absences. The Panthers missed Tuesday’s practice with offensive lineman Damien Lewis (knee), offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III (ankle), linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), and cornerback Akayleb Evans (triceps/knee). Veteran right tackle Taylor Moton was also placed on injured reserve with a fractured fibula.

Penalty Flags and Officiating Crew Trends to Watch

Discipline and officiating tendencies point toward a stoppage-heavy contest on prime time. The Packers lead the NFL in penalties with 9.3 per game, while the Panthers rank fourth at 8.7 flags per contest. Carolina paces the league with 79.2 penalty yards per game, closely followed by Green Bay at 78.0 yards.

Adding to the projection, referee Scott Novak’s crew leads all NFL officiating groups in penalties called per game (22.7) and penalties accepted per game (20.1), creating a distinct possibility for an extended game duration.

Trey Smack Faces Pressure After Missing Field Goals

Green Bay rookie kicker Trey Smack faces intense pressure following a difficult outing against Detroit. Smack missed field-goal attempts from 26 and 35 yards out in the 20-17 defeat, with the latter kick deflected at the line of scrimmage. He enters the week with a conversion rate of 68.8%.

Historically, Green Bay holds a 12-7 advantage in the all-time series against Carolina. However, the Panthers won last year’s meeting 16-13 at Lambeau Field on a late field goal, a result Panthers quarterback Bryce Young noted does not grant any inherent advantage for the new meeting.

Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on Prime Video.

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