Packers Updates: Josh Jacobs will practice Friday, Van Ness expected to return against Vikings
Two big updates from Matt LaFleur’s Friday press conference in Green Bay: Injured linebacker Josh Jacobs will practice again on Friday, and the team expects Lucas Van Ness to return from a five-game injury layoff and play Sunday against Matt LaFleur’s team. Minnesota Vikings.
Jacobs is dealing with a knee bruise caused by last week’s win over… New York Giants. He missed practice Wednesday but returned Thursday, and both Jacobs and the Packers have left the door open for him to play against the Vikings if the knee responds over the next few days.
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“Yes, I would say it will be limited (Friday),” LaFleur said. “And we’ll see what he can do. Just talking to him, he’s feeling pretty good, so we’ll see when we get out of there.”
Jacobs said it will be a real decision come game time on Sunday. The team and player must decide how to proceed, based on the swelling in his knee, the level of comfort playing during the injury and the ramifications of risking it getting worse, especially with next week’s rapid transition to league play. Detroit Lions Thursday.
“It’s always a group decision,” LaFleur said. “First of all, he has to have the medical clearance, his confidence level, and we will all discuss and make the decision.”
While Jacobs’ status is still up in the air, the Packers hope to bring back Van Ness, who was ascending as a third-year edge rusher before injuring his foot on a Joe Flacco sack in Week 6. He has missed the last five games but has practiced in a limited capacity each of the past two weeks.
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The Packers are targeting a return on Sunday based on how Van Ness feels after a week of practice.
“That’s the goal,” Lafleur said. “We’ll see how he qualifies today.”
Van Ness could give the defensive front a shot in the arm. Over the first five games, Van Ness has been playing an important role as a rotation player, both on the edge and also inside with crisp passes. He was also playing the best football of his career, registering 16 pressures on 104 quick passes.
The final injury report for Week 12 will arrive later Friday afternoon. Jacobs will likely be listed as questionable to play. Van Ness could also be a doubt unless he is a full participant in Friday’s training.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers Updates: Josh Jacobs will practice Friday, Van Ness expected to return against Vikings