Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson. Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Illness makes Packers' RB situation even more tenuous ahead of bout with Broncos

By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 3:42 PM ET

With a 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears in Week 14, the Green Bay Packers took the lead in the NFC North with a 9-3-1 record.

On Sunday, the Packers will likely have to defeat the AFC-leading Denver Broncos to keep the lead in the NFC North, as the Bears are set to host the 3-10 Cleveland Browns.

Green Bay is facing questions at running back before its game against the Broncos.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers elevated Pierre Strong Jr. for Sunday amid Josh Jacobs being ruled questionable for the contest against Denver. Running back Emanuel Wilson was added to the injury report on Saturday for having an illness.

Packers RB Emanuel Wilson also has been added to the injury report and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Broncos due to an illness. https://t.co/0rPwjkL4Ug
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2025

Green Bay Packers need Jordan Love to step up

The absence of Jacobs and Wilson would be felt on the Packers offense. Jacobs leads Green Bay in rushing with 817 yards and 12 touchdowns. Wilson has the second-most rushing yards with 351 yards and three touchdowns.

It's not clear if the illness Wilson has is contagious, but the situation will be something to keep an eye on. The Packers hope more players will not succumb to illness before Sunday's game.

Strong does not have a carry for the Packers this season.

While some parts of the country are bracing for frigid temperatures on Sunday, Green Bay should be able to lean more on its passing game amid issues in the backfield. Per ESPN, the weather at Empower Field at Mile High is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 60 degrees.

For the Packers to be dangerous in the postseason, quarterback Jordan Love will need to push the ball down the field against good teams. He'll have a chance to prepare for that kind of atmosphere when he plays Denver on Sunday.

Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports writer with a decade of experience as a journalist, including his time as a breaking news/day cops reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL, and college football world has also been featured at ChiCitySports, Gridiron Heroics, Pro Football Network, and Athlon Sports. Based in Austin, Texas, Jordan graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 2014

More must-reads: