Broncos Get Bad News on Opponent’s Star Player Ahead of Sunday Matchup

The Denver Broncos received an unwelcome update Friday as Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is trending toward playing in Sunday’s matchup. 

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Jacobs (knee) will return to practice in a limited capacity. 

His availability hinges on how he responds to the workload.

While Jacobs is expected to be listed as questionable, all signs point toward the Pro Bowl back pushing to suit up against Denver. 

“He will be out there in a limited capacity,” LaFleur said.

“We’ll see how he’s feeling. Just talking to him, it sounds like he’s feeling pretty good. But we’ll see how he responds to practice.” 

From a Broncos perspective, that’s not the news they were hoping for as Jacobs is one of the best backs in all of football. 

Jacobs missed practice Wednesday and Thursday due to swelling and stiffness in his knee. 

But Green Bay has made it clear that resting him is not part of the plan with playoff positioning at stake.

What Josh Jacobs’ Status Means for Denver

If Jacobs plays, he immediately changes the complexion of this game.

Even while managing the knee issue, Jacobs has remained the focal point of Green Bay’s offense. 

He provides both physical downhill running and reliability in key situations, specifically in the red zone and at the goal line. 

His ability to control tempo and keep defenses honest is exactly what the Packers want against a Broncos defense that thrives when it can dictate things. 

If Jacobs plays, the Packers offense will be much more balanced and will open the offense up for Jordan Love. 

Denver has been one of the NFL’s strongest run defenses this season, ranking fourth best in opponents rush yards per game. 

They consistently limit opposing backs and force teams into obvious passing situations.  

The Broncos’ front seven has held opponents in check by winning early downs and putting opponents in third-down passing situations. 

That said, Jacobs presents a different challenge. 

He has already shown a willingness to play through injury, and LaFleur emphasized that Green Bay is focused only on the game in front of them.

“Right now, where we’re at, we’re not looking any further than the game in front of our face,” LaFleur said.

If Jacobs gets going early, Denver may be forced to tighten up against the run.

This could open the door for Green Bay’s play-action game and put added stress on the defense. 

Packers vs. Broncos Carries Major Stakes

Sunday’s matchup features two of the NFL’s hottest teams colliding at a critical point in the season. 

Both Denver and Green Bay are firmly in the playoff hunt, and this game carries significant implications for seeding and momentum heading into the final stretch. 

For the Broncos, defending home field against a physical NFC contender is another measuring stick. 

For the Packers, getting Jacobs back, even at less than full strength, signals how much urgency surrounds this game. 

A win here would resonate well beyond the standings.

It would reinforce Denver’s legitimacy against top-tier competition and potentially reshape playoff positioning for them.

The Broncos currently hold a two game divisional lead over the Chargers but still have to play them again in Week 18. 

A win against the Packers would be a huge step in winning the division. 

In the grand picture of the entire AFC, the Broncos currently hold the No. 1 seed.

But they are in an extremely close race with the Patriots. 

Every game matters and with Jacobs most likely to play on Sunday, the Broncos must bring their A-game.

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