Josh Jacobs Is Already Sidelined for Green Bay, and It’s the Same Old Song for His Season

Green Bay’s top offensive weapon, running back Josh Jacobs, is already sidelined from practice on Thursday due to a groin injury. The good news, if you can call it that, is that this isn’t expected to be a long-term absence, but for Packers fans, it has to feel like déjà vu all over again.

Jacobs’ 2025 Numbers and the Early Warning Signs

Look, when your star running back is missing practice this early, even if it’s “not long-term,” it’s a gut punch. Jacobs, who is 28 years old, had a solid 2025 season despite battling multiple injury concerns throughout the year. He still managed to grind out 929 rushing yards and punch in 13 touchdowns on the ground. That kind of production is huge for any offense, and Green Bay absolutely relies on it. On top of that, he snagged 36 receptions for 282 receiving yards and another touchdown. Those are bell-cow numbers, showing his dual-threat ability.

But that phrase, “dealt with multiple injury concerns in 2025,” that’s the part that hits different right now. When you hear about a groin injury popping up as they’re just getting ramped up, it makes you wonder if those past issues are lingering. You need your guys healthy and firing on all cylinders heading into the season, not nursing nicks and scrapes before the real games even start.

Career Workload and the Recurring Nightmare

Jacobs has been a workhorse since he was a first-round pick back in 2019. His career numbers are proof: he’s churned out 1,840 carries and racked up an astounding 2,109 total touches, finding the end zone 76 times. That’s a massive workload for any running back, and it speaks to his talent and toughness. But with that kind of mileage comes wear and tear, and it makes every injury, even a “minor” one like this groin issue, feel more significant.

The reports say he should be back soon, and everyone hopes that’s the truth. But for Green Bay, an early camp injury to a crucial offensive player who already battled health issues last year is exactly the kind of trend you don’t want to see emerging. They need their offense to be clicking, and a healthy Jacobs is a non-negotiable part of that plan.

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Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.