Josh Jacobs 2026 Fantasy Football Outlook: Set for High-Volume Role in Green Bay Rushing Attack 3mLink copied!

Aug 22, 2026, 7:35 AM ET

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is expected to remain the team's clear RB1 during the 2026 season, which will provide him with a high workload for fantasy. During the 2025 season, Jacobs punched in at least 13 rushing scores for the second-straight campaign and took 234 attempts (over 15 games) for 929 rushing yards. Through the air, Jacobs caught another 36 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown. The veteran back missed two games of action (with one being Week 18) due to a lingering left knee contusion. While this injury did pave the way for the team's No. 2 option, Emanuel Wilson, to carve out a role behind him, he is now in Seattle, leaving Jacobs as the clear RB1 on the roster, sitting above the unproven Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd. The team did not address this position in the draft as well, leaving the former 24th overall pick as the unquestioned lead back in this offense. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during training camp, as the running back was arrested and booked on five charges in April, but has since been released from custody. While he appears to have avoided any short-term effects, a potential suspension could still be placed. If Jacobs is clear to suit up in Week 1, fantasy managers should view him as a strong RB1 with top-10 upside at the position. For those looking to target other positions in the opening two rounds, Jacobs provides great value as a high-volume RB1 at his current Sleeper ADP of 26.0, going off the board as the RB13. Update 8/22/2026 - Jacobs has been dealing with a groin injury during camp, which has opened the door for MarShawn Lloyd to not only claim the RB2 role, but also emerge as a high-end handcuff. Jacobs can also face suspension following his May arrest, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, putting his fantasy outlook in question as the end of August approaches.--Andy Smith