Kaleb Johnson Could Gain More Work After Jacobs’ Finger Surgery

Josh Jacobs fractured a finger during Green Bay’s game against New England on Sunday and is expected to miss up to three weeks after surgery. He was injured in the first quarter while attempting to stiff-arm safety Craig Woodson, left the game and did not return. Green Bay won 45-27.

Kaleb Johnson could be the main beneficiary. With Jacobs out and MarShawn Lloyd sidelined by a knee injury in Week 9, Johnson carried 14 times for 68 yards and scored his first career touchdown. His 34-yard run came in the fourth quarter, and he finished with 12.8 fantasy points.

Johnson leads Packers running backs with 172 rushing yards this season, despite having 15 fewer carries than Lloyd. He averages 4.1 yards per carry, more than Jacobs, Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr. Green Bay faces Minnesota in Week 10; Lloyd’s availability for the game remains uncertain.

Lloyd has recorded 57 carries for 149 yards and two rushing touchdowns, plus a receiving score, but missed Week 9 with a knee injury. Strong could also see opportunities, particularly near the goal line: Green Bay has used him eight times in the red zone. Chris Brooks, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, recently returned to practice, though his workload has been limited when healthy.

Green Bay relies heavily on its passing game, with Jordan Love among the top fantasy quarterbacks this season and Christian Watson and Matthew Golden providing a productive receiving duo. If Jacobs remains out, the Packers may lean further on that attack while their backfield roles shift.