Emanuel

Wilson

Wilson was not involved in the Packers’ gameplan, nor was Chris Brooks who finished with one carry for 16 yards and a catch that went for 11. He wasn’t terribly efficient in his work in the regular season, either, finishing with a 4.0 YPC and 496 yards on his 125 attempts with 15 receptions for 99 for good measure. He’ll be an RFA this winter, and it’s likely he’ll just be a backup tailback whether he’s back with the Packers or joins a new club.

Wilson got the start in Week 18 with Josh Jacobs resting his various leg injuries ahead of the postseason. Wilson had an efficient day if you eliminate an 18-yard loss on a third quarter rushing attempt where Wilson kept reversing field looking for some kind of opening. Wilson will return to his RB2 role behind Jacobs in the postseason.

Jacobs, dealing with knee and ankle issues for the past month, will try to heal up before Green Bay’s Wild Card game next weekend. He’s one of many Packers starters declared inactive for a mostly meaningless Week 18 game. Emanuel Wilson could see a solid workload with Jacobs sidelined, though Chris Brooks could mix in so Wilson will be healthy for the postseason.

Jacobs will be available if the Packers need him. Yesterday, Packers RB coach Ben Sirmans indicated Jacobs won’t play much, if at all, though. Either No. 2 Emanuel Wilson or No. 3 RB Chris Brooks will lead the backfield in touches. Wilson has played a key role in the Packers’ offense this season. He could join Jacobs in the proverbial bubble wrap on the sideline this week. If so, Brooks warrants RB2/3 consideration.

The Packers have already shut down Nos. 1 and 2 QBs, Jordan Love, who cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, and Malik Willis (right shoulder/hamstring), for Week 18. We expect them to do the same with their key skill position players. Packers No. 2 RB Emanuel Wilson has been a meaningful contributor this season. If the Packers choose to keep Jacobs and Wilson out this week, No. 3 RB Chris Brooks could be the starter.

Jacobs was off the injury report after dealing with knee and ankle issues in previous weeks, but whether it was due to those ailments, a faltering offensive line or a great effort from the Baltimore front — likely a combination of all three — the 27-year-old tailback was able to get nothing done. The Packers have nothing to play for in Week 18 against the Lions, so no one should be surprised if it is Emmanuel Wilson (3/16) who gets most of the touches in that contest.

While it would be great to see Jacobs practice fully, this is actually an improvement from last week. The Packers’ starting running back totaled just 48 scoreless yards after sitting out all three practices. He is on track to play in Week 17 against the Ravens, though RB Emanuel Wilson could continue to split backfield touches with him.

Even with Josh Jacobs attempting to play through his knee injury, Wilson worked his way into the mix a bit more than normal. He eventually took over for Jacobs, who played only two snaps after a lost fumble in the third quarter, and wound up out-gaining Jacobs 82-36 on the ground. Wilson ran hard and efficiently for the Packers all afternoon, and could be in line for a big role in Week 17 if Jacobs’ knee injury proves too bad to play on. Wilson will be worth rostering wherever available and would be view as a high-end RB2 against the Ravens if Jacobs is unable to go.

Zero practices in three days have this feeling like a sketchy questionable, with only the fact that Jacobs frequently fights to play through injury out there to give fantasy managers much hope. Emanuel Wilson, not on the injury report this week, figures to be on the RB2 line if Jacobs is ruled out ahead of game time. Jacobs would be an RB1, though he’ll likely be on a pitch count as he was last week if he does play.

Head coach Matt LaFleur praised Jacobs’ toughness yesterday as he continues to battle through injuries to close out the regular season. Jacobs has been dealing with the knee issue for a while, though the ankle issue appears to be new. He played through the knee injury last week after logging a lone limited practice on Friday. Jacobs is likely headed for a similar practice routine this week. Fantasy managers may want to keep Emanuel Wilson on their bench in case Jacobs doesn’t play this week, which remains a possibility.