Packers RB Surgery: Josh Jacobs Needs Ring Finger Repair

Josh Jacobs will miss a minimum of four games for the Green Bay Packers. The team’s head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Monday that the running back requires surgery to repair a fractured ring finger on his right hand.

LaFleur did not rule out placing Jacobs on the injured reserve list. That move would keep the player sidelined for the required minimum duration. The Packers are facing a difficult timeline as they prepare for their next contest.

The injury occurred during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Green Bay won that match 45-27. Jacobs was attempting a stiff-arm near the sideline when his hand became trapped in the helmet of Patriots defensive back Craig Woodson.

The impact forced the running back to leave the field. LaFleur noted that Jacobs struggled with grip strength upon his return to the sideline. The player made two trips to the locker room to assess the damage. Medical staff first attempted to tape the finger, but they eventually applied a cast when the taping did not provide enough stability.

Jacobs described the injury as nasty. He stated that he saw part of his bone protruding from the finger. The running back said he manually popped the finger back into place himself. He did not specify if the skin had been punctured. LaFleur indicated that the exact return date remains undetermined.

Jacobs has missed the first six games of the 2026 season. He was placed on the commissioner exempt list while the NFL investigates a May 23 incident at his home. The league is looking into potential violations of the personal conduct policy. The team has continued to support the player during this process.

Since returning to the lineup, Jacobs has 36 carries for 80 yards and one touchdown on the ground. He has been more productive as a receiver. He caught 11 passes for 68 yards and two scores. His absence leaves the rushing attack depleted.

MarShawn Lloyd also suffered a knee injury in practice last week. With both Jacobs and Lloyd unavailable, the team relied on Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. Johnson rushed for a season-high 68 yards on 14 carries. He recorded a 34-yard gain. The team’s total of 129 rushing yards was the first time they exceeded 86 yards in a single game this season. They still hold the league’s lowest-ranked rushing offense.

LaFleur suggested the Packers may not need to sign a new running back. He pointed to Chris Brooks, who was designated to return from injured reserve last week. Brooks practiced for the first time since his Week 4 ankle injury. The defensive side also saw depletion. Edgerrin Cooper is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Zaire Franklin has a shin issue. Ty'Ron Hopper left Sunday’s game with a chest injury, though LaFleur does not expect him to miss additional time. Isaiah McDuffie missed a few plays. The rotation went as deep as fifth linebacker Nick Niemann. Niemann had only played two defensive snaps since joining the team last season. He finished with six tackles and a pass breakup. Franklin is expected to return soon.

The Packers will evaluate Jacobs’ recovery after the surgery. LaFleur will provide updates on the timeline as the team prepares for its next scheduled game.