Green Bay, Wisconsin. November 23, 2025 The Green Bay Packers took an unexpected step forward on Saturday, officially opening the practice window for star running back Josh Jacobs just days after a knee injury left the team holding its breath. What initially appeared to be a multi-week setback has now shifted into a cautiously optimistic scenario, injecting new energy into a Packers roster preparing for a critical Week 12 clash against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs left last week’s game against the New York Giants with a painful knee issue that forced him out of the contest and raised fears of ligament damage. Early indications suggested the Packers might be without their lead back for an extended period. But follow-up imaging revealed that the knee was structurally sound. No tears. No surgery. Just soreness and swelling — the kind of injury that sits in the uncertain space between “manageable” and “potentially limiting.” His return to the practice field, even in a controlled capacity, instantly lifted spirits inside the facility. The Packers remain measured in their approach. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the plan is to let Jacobs participate in pregame warm-ups before determining whether he will suit up against Minnesota. “Although Jacobs’ knee remains structurally stable, it’s still painful from last week, and the Packers have a Thanksgiving game in Detroit in just four days,” Schefter reported. That tight turnaround adds another layer of complexity to the decision, forcing the staff to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term playoff goals. For now, the team simply wants to see how Jacobs responds when he moves at game-speed. Packers plan to work out RB Josh Jacobs, who is listed as questionable due to a knee injury, in pre-game warmups before deciding whether or not he will play vs. the Vikings, per source. Though Jacobs knee is structurally sound, it still is tender from last week and the Packers… — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 23, 2025 Even in a limited return to practice, Jacobs’ presence has had an undeniable effect. Teammates described a noticeable lift in intensity. Coaches felt the shift in urgency. And for an offense that relies heavily on Jacobs’ downhill power and physicality, the possibility of having him available — even for a reduced workload — changes the calculus for an important divisional game. His leadership in the running back room and his reliability in critical downs have made him one of the emotional engines of this year’s roster. Green Bay’s injury list remains a storyline, but Jacobs’ progress offers a sense of stability at a moment when every game matters. The Packers are fighting to maintain momentum in a tight NFC North race. Whether Jacobs plays or not, the activation of his practice window signals real progress rather than cautionary hope. It suggests a player pushing to return. A staff willing to trust the process. And a team preparing for a crucial stretch of the season. The final decision will come Sunday — but for Packers fans, the biggest news may have already arrived. Josh Jacobs is back on the field. And Green Bay suddenly looks a little stronger heading into Week 12