Could an unexpected hero emerge for the Green Bay Packers this Sunday? With star running back Josh Jacobs nursing a knee injury, the spotlight might shine on Emanuel Wilson, the undrafted underdog ready to seize his moment. Coach Matt LaFleur describes Jacob's condition as "truly day to day," opening the door for Wilson to potentially make his first NFL start against the Vikings. But here's where it gets controversial... will Wilson be able to handle the pressure of a pivotal divisional game?
Wilson, a third-year pro, isn't showing any signs of being overwhelmed by the possibility. "Yeah, it's been since college," Wilson stated calmly after practice, reflecting on the last time he was the primary running back. "I haven't really thought about it. I just need to go out there and do my job. If (Jacobs) plays Sunday or not, I'll just be ready to go." His confidence is palpable, but can it translate into performance on the field against a hungry Vikings defense?
Last week's game against the Giants provided a glimpse of Wilson's potential. After Jacobs' early exit due to injury in the second quarter, Wilson stepped up, carrying the ball 11 times for 40 yards, including a powerful 11-yard touchdown run – his first since last season and the first rushing touchdown this year by a Packer other than Jacobs (who has an impressive 11 touchdowns). He also snagged a crucial 9-yard reception, igniting what would become the game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. So far this season, Wilson has accumulated 289 yards from scrimmage (220 rushing, 69 receiving). And this is the part most people miss... his contribution in the passing game is often overlooked, but can provide a crucial edge.
While Wilson's natural running abilities have never been questioned, earning the coaching staff's trust in pass protection was his biggest hurdle. As an undrafted rookie in 2023, he essentially started from scratch in this crucial area. Running backs are vital in protecting the quarterback, responsible for picking up blitzing linebackers and chipping defensive ends. This requires a deep understanding of the offense's protection schemes and the ability to react instantly to pre-snap adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
Coming from the HBCU Division II ranks of Fort Valley State, this was a significant challenge for Wilson. However, through relentless drilling under the guidance of running backs coach Ben Sirmans and constant encouragement (and pressure) from Coach LaFleur, Wilson steadily improved. "His rookie year, it was nonstop. I was always in his ear, getting on him pretty good," LaFleur admitted. "But it's a credit to him in regards to being able to take the coaching and just show up, I would say, with a sense of urgency every day." The intensity of the coaching was relentless, but necessary.
Wilson confirmed LaFleur's account of his demanding rookie season, acknowledging the difficulty in mastering the playbook and refining his blocking technique. However, he expresses gratitude for the demanding coaching, seeing it as a testament to the coaching staff's belief in his potential. "I mean, Coach LaFleur, he gave me hell, like literally. He gave me hell," Wilson chuckled. "But it helped me out in the long run for sure, just hard coaching. I'd had it before, like in college and high school, but not like this. My rookie year he was on my every day. Every day."
His rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but Wilson also credits former teammate Aaron Jones, now a running back for the opposing team this weekend, with instilling confidence in him. Jones, himself, had a long journey to become a reliable pass protector during his time in Green Bay. Wilson demonstrated his improved pass protection skills against the Giants, effectively blocking Brian Burns on Jordan Love's touchdown pass to tight end Josh Whyle in the third quarter. His secret to blocking a premier pass rusher like Burns? "Not being scared, honestly," Wilson revealed. Is this the key to his success, or just a lucky break?
He'll need that same fearlessness this Sunday against the Vikings, whose defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, is known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive schemes. LaFleur noted that preparing for Flores' defense requires "a lot longer than your typical game plan" due to the numerous fronts, bluffs, and attack patterns they employ. This means extra film study for Wilson and the entire offensive unit. "Oh for sure. For everybody," Wilson confirmed. "They like, what, blitz like 72 percent of the time? It's going to be a helluva one. We're just still going to be locked into the details that we need to communicate."
There are no concerns about Wilson's preparedness, regardless of whether he starts in place of Jacobs or resumes his backup role. If he does get the starting nod, it's worth noting that his last game as the primary running back in college saw him rush for 221 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries.
That was a distant memory as he's worked tirelessly to establish himself as a professional, learning and improving with each opportunity. Sunday could be his most significant step yet. "He's somebody that's been dialed in at all times and learned from the opportunities he's had out there, and I feel like he just got better and better every time," Love said. "I think his understanding of the offense is at an all-time high right now, and it's definitely something that everyone's kind of pushed him for, and he's responded well." Do you think Wilson is ready for the challenge, or will the pressure be too much for the young running back? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Will he be a flash in the pan, or a consistent performer for the Packers moving forward? Let's discuss!
