The Chicago Bears are about to play their most crucial game of the season, and it is easily the most important in their rivalry with the Green Bay Packers since 2013. There is no question that the winner of this game likely claims the NFC North crown. Green Bay took the first matchup at Lambeau Field in a physical 28-21 contest. The rematch at Soldier Field carries even more weight, and it looks like injuries will be a major plot point. Chicago won't have Rome Odunze or Luther Burden for this game on offense. The Packers lost Micah Parsons to a torn ACL and likely won't have top tackle Zach Tom as well. The biggest unknown is Josh Jacobs.
Green Bay's star running back was pivotal to their victory two weeks ago. His status for Saturday night has remained clouded due to a knee injury. Some believe he will try to guy it out. Others think he's unlikely to play. People close to the situation have informed Sports Mockery that Jacobs is pushing to play. However, Green Bay's medical team is firmly against it. This stalemate has put head coach Matt LaFleur in a difficult spot. The team absolutely needs Jacobs to increase their chances of winning, but playing him risks aggravating the injury further. Green Bay is averaging under 4.0 yards per carry when he isn't on the field.
Josh Jacobs decision likely comes down to how Packers view remaining schedule.
After Chicago, they face the Ravens at home before finishing up in Minnesota against the Vikings. Were they to lose this game, would holding Jacobs out be enough to help in those final two games to ensure a playoff spot? It isn't an easy decision. Green Bay knows that a division title and a possible high seed are at stake. Would the risk of losing Jacobs for the season be worth that? Packers beat writers get the sense that the answer is no. Rob Demovsky said it's leaning more towards doubtful the running back plays.
This is similar to the situation the Bears faced with Aaron Rodgers a few weeks ago. He was pushing to play when the Pittsburgh Steelers visited Soldier Field. In the end, the medical staff didn't like the diagnosis, and the coaches chose to sit him. Of course, there is a lot more at stake in this game. Josh Jacobs has been a constant difference-maker in this rivalry. He has scored a touchdown in every meeting and is averaging almost five yards per carry. His loss would be tremendous, but sometimes you have to do what is best for the player.
