By Sunday 
A Tough Loss… and a Tough Stretch Ahead
Coming off a bruising primetime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions are staring down one of the trickiest weeks on their schedule. They’re outside the playoff picture for now, trying to regroup, and staring at three games in a 12-day span. First up: the New York Giants in Week 12.
On paper, it’s a game the Lions should win. But with the Packers looming on Thanksgiving, this is exactly the kind of setup that gets labeled a “trap spot.”
And as Detroit prepares, there’s one storyline they can’t ignore — and it’s not just their own.
Josh Jacobs Leaves Early, and Detroit Starts Paying Attention
Green Bay’s star running back Josh Jacobs exited the Packers’ game against the Giants in the first quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return. Initial fear suggested something serious, but reports later clarified that his knee is “structurally sound” and won’t require surgery.
Still, that doesn’t mean he’s in the clear.
NFL insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport noted that Jacobs will be re-evaluated later in the week and hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota.
Detroit will absolutely be watching.
Why Jacobs’ Status Matters More Than Minnesota
The Packers have a decision to make:
Risk Jacobs on Sunday against the Vikings?
Or rest him for the Lions, where the stakes are far higher?
Minnesota’s run defense has been soft, allowing 127.0 rushing yards per game, so Green Bay could reasonably survive without Jacobs. But pushing him too soon risks losing him for the Thanksgiving showdown — and for the rest of the NFC North race.
And make no mistake: a healthy Jacobs after 10–11 days of rest is exactly what the Packers want.
It’s the last thing the Lions want.
A Jacobs-Less Packers Offense Is a Break Detroit Would Gladly Take
Detroit’s run defense got gashed by Philadelphia for 148 rushing yards on Sunday night. Facing the Packers without Jacobs — even if they still believe they can beat Green Bay either way — is obviously a far better scenario.
In the first meeting at Lambeau, Jacobs posted 66 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Not monster numbers, but enough to keep the Lions honest. His presence changes how defenses play.
His absence changes everything.
The Week to Watch
As the Lions prepare for the Giants, fans will be refreshing every injury update out of Green Bay. Jacobs’ knee — whether he plays this weekend, sits, or rests all the way to Thanksgiving — will influence the tone, strategy, and intensity of the rematch.
One thing is certain: Detroit knows exactly what’s at stake.