Packers’ Josh Jacobs to Miss Time After Finger Surgery
GREEN BAY — The Green Bay Packers announced on Nov. 9, 2026 that running back Josh Jacobs will undergo surgery to repair a fractured finger he suffered at New England and will be sidelined for an undetermined period. Head coach Matt LaFleur said the procedure should take place sometime this week and indicated the team may consider placing Jacobs on injured reserve, which would carry a minimum four-week absence. LaFleur added that Jacobs attempted to return to the game but lacked sufficient grip strength to play without the operation.
Jacobs carried four times against the Patriots before the injury forced him from the contest. LaFleur said it was not feasible for Jacobs to continue without surgery, explaining that the team will evaluate next steps after the procedure. The coach also noted the proximity of the NFL trading deadline but said the Packers were not necessarily seeking an immediate addition at the running back position.
Green Bay has several options to handle carries while Jacobs is out. LaFleur said there was a “good chance” Chris Brooks could be activated from injured reserve this week after returning to practice last week. Kaleb Johnson filled a larger role vs. New England, rushing 14 times for 68 yards and a touchdown; his 34-yard run in the second half was the Packers’ longest rush of the season and followed a 31-yard run he had at Tampa Bay in Week 4.
Pierre Strong Jr. logged eight carries for 22 yards against New England as well. LaFleur highlighted Brooks’ value in pass protection and as a pass-catching option out of the backfield, noting Brooks is more experienced in the Packers’ protection schemes than Johnson. The club will assess its backfield mix further based on Jacobs’ recovery and Brooks’ potential return.
Elsewhere on the injury report, linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper experienced a chest issue about 90 minutes before kickoff and played only two snaps against New England. Nick Niemann replaced Hopper and played the entire defensive rotation, logging 59 defensive snaps and 25 on special teams. LaFleur praised Niemann for stepping in and handling the increased workload.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Josh Jacobs’ need for surgery creates an immediate hole in the Packers’ backfield and introduces roster and workload questions heading into the stretch run. Kaleb Johnson produced the most productive single game by a Packers rusher this season and figures to take on more carries if Chris Brooks is not activated right away. Brooks’ likely return from injured reserve would provide a more experienced pass protector and additional receiving ability out of the backfield, which is important against blitz-heavy opponents such as Minnesota. The team faces a trade-deadline decision, but coach LaFleur indicated the organization may prefer to rely on internal options while it evaluates Jacobs’ recovery timetable after surgery.