The Green Bay Packers‘ backfield is eyeing a bounce-back in efficiency in 2026, going through its share of struggles throughout an injury-riddled 2025 NFL marketing campaign. Star operating again Josh Jacobs struggled to succeed in the heights from a memorable debut season in Green Bay, however in the end led the unit with one other 1,200 yards from scrimmage regardless of lacking time.
Jacobs has handled nagging points throughout coaching camp, going through absences as a result of a groin damage. On Monday, Jacobs returned to observe for the primary time in coaching camp, becoming a member of the staff for 11-on-11 drills.
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With his return, he’ll fill the void he left on the RB1 job, relegating MarShawn Lloyd again to RB2 duties, the place a place battle has ensued throughout camp. Jacobs will headline a Packers speeding assault eyeing a robust exhibiting after ending the 2025 season ranked No. 18 in soccer.
The three-time Pro Bowler shined at instances, headlining the run sport with 929 speeding yards and 13 touchdowns on the bottom over 234 carries. He served as a dependable security blanket for Jordan Love within the passing sport, matching his 36 catches from 2024, this time posting 282 yards and a 14th landing.
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His return to observe was a welcome sight for the teaching workers, because the star again gears up for a giant 12 months. With uncertainty on the RB2 spot, Jacobs might tackle a barely expanded function for the Packers this season.
Lack Of Separation In RB2 Battle Could Generate Greater Reliance On Josh Jacobs
Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers operating again MarShawn Lloyd (32) runs with the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Caleb Johnson (48) defends through the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium.Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Following the lack of Emanuel Wilson, who emerged as a dependable backup behind Jacobs final season, the staff has struggled to fill the void at RB2 thus far of the offseason. MarShawn Lloyd doubtless instructions the lead of the place battle at this stage, although damage considerations and inconsistent play might restrict his case for the job.
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Pierre Strong Jr., Jaden Nixon and Damien Martinez have every posted invaluable reps, although no member of the operating again room is but to run away with the job – no pun meant.
An absence of a dependable backup might pressure Matt LaFleur and Adam Stenavich to lean on Jacobs with higher regularity in 2026. LaFleur will look to ascertain a constant run sport to uplift Love as a passer, and Jacobs would be the point of interest of such.
Another 12 months with a 300-plus-carry workload feels properly inside Jacobs’ realm, who posted a profession 12 months with such quantity in 2024. This break up in touches amongst Green Bay’s backfield might place Jacobs for a possible All-Pro bid this 12 months.
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Aug 26, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NFL part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.