Packers Running Backs Ordered to Play More Physical as Line Injuries Mount
With the rushing attack averaging 59.9 yards per game and the offensive line depleted by injuries, Josh Jacobs says his team must gain extra yards through power.
By Thomas Obasi ·
Josh Jacobs told reporters on Tuesday that the Green Bay Packers running backs must play more physically to compensate for injuries on the offensive line. The three-time Pro Bowl selection said the team needs to break tackles and push through piles to maintain energy on the field.
Jacobs made the comments after his season debut, a game in which he rushed for 36 yards on 11 carries and caught five passes for 55 yards. The Packers lost 20-17 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. This was Jacobs' first game since pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property related to a May altercation.
The urgency of Jacobs' statement stems from Green Bay's status as the NFL's lowest-ranked rushing attack. The team averages 59.9 yards per game, a figure nearly 15 yards lower than the next worst team in the league.
Historical data underscores the rarity of this struggle. In the past 35 seasons, only the 2019 Cincinnati Bengals averaged fewer than 60 rushing yards through their first seven games, recording 53.1 yards. Despite this offensive deficit, Green Bay holds a 4-3 record. Since 1933, the 13 other teams to average below 60 rushing yards in their first seven games combined for a mark of 11-79-1.
Quarterback Jordan Love agreed that the running game requires improvement. He stated that if the team wants to reach its potential, the run offense must get better. The Packers face the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, a matchup that offers a statistical advantage based on recent results.
Carolina allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to rush for 258 yards in a 43-13 loss. Green Bay did not reach a total of 258 rushing yards until its fifth game this season. However, the Packers' offensive line is decimated by injuries, which may limit their ability to create running room.
Starting center Sean Rhyan suffered an ankle injury against Detroit, and his status for the upcoming game is uncertain. Backup center Jacob Monk suffered a quadriceps injury and has been placed on injured reserve. Coach Matt LaFleur said it is possible Rhyan will also move to injured reserve.
Right guard Travis Glover has a knee issue that leaves his availability in doubt. The team lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a season-ending knee injury last month. Center John Williams, who had never played an offensive snap in his two-year career, started most of the game against the Lions.
Jacobs plans to gain yards after contact to mitigate these line issues. He described the process of turning two-yard runs into four-yard runs as a method to motivate both the players and the play-caller. LaFleur also noted that linebacker Zaire Franklin will miss a second straight game due to a shin injury, and wide receiver Matthew Golden is on the injury report with shoulder and foot problems.
LaFleur expressed hope that All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons will return to practice next week as he recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
