Packers announce injury updates ahead of preseason opener

Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that running back Josh Jacobs will miss the Thursday, August 13 preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a groin injury and will remain out of practice for “at least this week.” The same update confirmed that quarterback Jordan Love is slated to play in the Steelers opener, giving him additional reps before the regular season. The Packers will travel to Denver for a second preseason contest on August 21 before closing the preseason at home against the Arizona Cardinals on August 27, and then open the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings later in the season.

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Jacobs, acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 offseason, posted 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, ranking sixth in the league in total scrimmage yards (1,671). In 2025 his production fell to 929 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, his lowest total since a 13-game season in 2023, and he missed two games with a knee issue. At 28, Jacobs is still considered a premier back, but his recent injury history makes his availability a focal point for the Packers’ rushing attack.

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• Early August – Jacobs held out of practice, later identified as a groin strain.

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• August 13, 2026 – Preseason opener vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Jacobs out, Love playing).

Packers Announce Injury Update After Jordan Love News

• August 21, 2026 – Preseason game at Denver Broncos.

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• August 27, 2026 – Preseason finale vs. Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field.

Packers make final call on their plans for Jordan Love and other starters in preseason opener

• Regular-season debut – vs. Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Packers Announce Injury Update After Jordan Love News

• 2024: 1,329 rushing yards (6th in NFL), 15 rushing touchdowns (4th), 342 receiving yards, 1,671 total scrimmage yards (6th).

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• 2025: 929 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, lowest yards-per-carry (4.0) since 2020.

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LaFleur explained that the decision to keep Jacobs sidelined is a precautionary measure to manage his workload and protect his health ahead of the regular season. He also emphasized that Love’s participation in the preseason is intended to provide the quarterback with valuable game-time experience, noting that Love has started preseason series in each of his first three seasons as the Packers’ starter.

Packers Announce Injury Update After Jordan Love News

• “He’s gonna be out for at least this week,” — Matt LaFleur, head coach

Packers Announce Injury Update After Jordan Love News

The Packers will monitor Jacobs’ rehabilitation through the remaining preseason weeks, with the expectation that his status will be reassessed before the regular-season opener later in the season. Jordan Love will continue to receive preseason snaps, and the coaching staff will evaluate the depth of the running back group, including third-year back MarShawn Lloyd, who is positioned to assume a larger role if Jacobs remains unavailable.

Newsweek