Chris

Brooks

Brooks actually played only eight fewer snaps than Emanuel Wilson, but he was mostly used on passing downs and as a breather option. There’s not enough meat on the bone in this Packers running game to support two backs. Regardless of Josh Jacobs’ Week 13 status, Brooks is not a worthwhile FLEX play.

With Josh Jacobs lost to a second quarter knee injury, Wilson was thrust into No. 1 duties for the final two-plus quarters. Wilson’s churning 11-yard touchdown run was nice in the second frame, but he was otherwise low on highlights as the Pack just tried to survive and advance in Jersey. They must now await Jacobs’ MRI results. Coach Matt LaFleur was not forthcoming with updates after the game. If Jacobs is sidelined for Week 12 against the Vikings, Wilson will be a workload-based RB2, one likely backed up by Chris Brooks.

Jacobs was listed with an illness on Wednesday and Thursday, before having the calf designation added sometime late on Friday. For what it is worth, he did manage to practice in full today, so this could be a non-issue. Fantasy managers should closely monitor news on the matter this weekend, though. Packers RBs Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks are next in line if Jacobs cannot play. Wilson has out-touched Brooks 22-7 this season.

He’ll miss at least the first four games of the season after suffering a hamstring injury following the first game of the preseason. Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks will carry the workload behind josh Jacobs for the time being.

It hasn’t been a great summer for the second-year back, who’s dealing with a lingering groin injury that isn’t expected to be long-term, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. The 2024 third-round pick dealt with hip, hamstring, and ankle issues along with appendicitis as a rookie and ended the season with 15 yards on six carries along with one reception for three yards. Meanwhile, Emanuel Wilson — listed as the Packers’ RB2 behind bellcow Josh Jacobs — is dealing with a non-contact knee injury that was thought to be serious until testing revealed he had avoided a major injury. Wilson functioned as the team’s No. 2 back in 2024. For now, Chris Brooks appears to be team’s No. 2 RB by default.

The injury has been reported as an “extremely scary” non-contact injury, but tests seemingly revealed something minor and he was seen walking along the sidelines on Saturday, under his own power. With MarShawn Lloyd (groin) also sidelined, Chris Brooks is the de facto No. 2 running back behind starter Josh Jacobs.

Brooks finishes the year with a 36/183/1 line on the ground and 11 catches for 69 yards through the air. He’s under contract through the 2025 season, though the Packers are not on the hook for any guarantees if they want to cut him. The BYU UDFA will likely compete for a backup role in training camp in 2025. Brooks played 199 snaps for the Packers this year and 117 of them were on pass plays.

The wrist issue is new for Jacobs this week. It held him to two limited sessions, but the veteran back got in a full practice on Friday before being cleared from the injury report entirely. With little to play for in Week 18, Jacobs could be on a short leash versus the Bears. It makes him a slightly more risky fantasy bet, though he may not need a full four quarters to pay off against a run-funnel Chicago defense. Backup running back Chris Brooks (ankle) was also removed from the injury report.

Brooks has proven himself as a capable backfield contributor this season so his continued limited participation could simply reflect a conservative approach with the Packers’ Super Bowl aspirations in mind. Still, Emanuel Wilson should factor in this week with Josh Jacobs also limited by a wrist injury.

Brooks and Emanuel Wilson have been used interchangeably in the No. 2 RB role for weeks now. With the Packers’ playoff spot safely secured and Josh Jacobs dealing with a wrist issue, Wilson makes for a smart bench stash. Both Brooks and Jacobs could be considered fully healthy by week’s end but as things currently stand, Wilson could have an above-average workload on Sunday.