Green Bay Packers are making proactive roster adjustments as uncertainty looms over star running back Josh Jacobs’ fitness ahead of their Week 7 clash against the Arizona Cardinals. With Jacobs nursing a calf issue and battling illness, Green Bay has moved swiftly to reinforce its backfield depth.
Packers bolster backfield ahead of Week 7 showdown
Josh Jacobs, who has been instrumental in Green Bay’s offense this season, was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a full participant on Friday. However, the team still listed him as questionable for Sunday’s contest, prompting the Packers’ front office to act preemptively.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Green Bay Packers elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from their practice squad to the active roster ahead of the Arizona game.
“Packers elevated RB Pierre Strong Jr. from their practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game at Arizona,” Schefter reported on X. He also noted that cornerback Keisean Nixon was added to the injury report with an illness and remains questionable for the matchup.
Pierre Strong Jr. adds experience and versatility
Pierre Strong Jr. brings valuable depth and versatility to the Packers’ backfield. A fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, Strong spent the past two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before joining Green Bay’s practice squad.
Throughout his NFL career, Strong has accumulated 499 rushing yards on 99 carries (an impressive 5.0 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns. Additionally, he’s contributed as a receiver with 26 catches for 193 yards and has proven himself on special teams, returning 24 kickoffs over his 46 career appearances.
Though Strong has only started once, his speed and adaptability could make him a valuable asset, particularly if Jacobs is unable to take on his usual workload against Arizona.
Josh Jacobs’ form raises fresh concerns
While Jacobs has stayed active through five games this season, his production hasn’t matched his stellar 2024 campaign. The Pro Bowl running back has logged 359 rushing yards on 98 attempts (3.7 yards per carry) and six rushing touchdowns, along with 15 receptions for 176 yards.
His diminished efficiency, paired with recent injury concerns, has raised questions about how much Green Bay can rely on him as the season progresses. The Green Bay Packers’ decision to promote Strong from the practice squad underscores the organization’s cautious yet strategic approach to maintaining balance in their offensive setup.
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