Josh Jacobs says Packers running backs must help out their injury-riddled offensive line

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs’ season debut showed that he couldn’t instantly solve all of the problems with the NFL’s lowest-ranked rushing attack.

Now that he has a game under his belt, Jacobs is confident that he has shaken off the rust that came from missing the first six games of the season while on the commissioner’s exempt list. The three-time Pro Bowl selection says it’s imperative for the running backs to play more physically as Green Bay adjusts to injuries on its offensive line.

“Sometimes you’re going to have to break them tackles and you’re going to have to keep your feet running,” Jacobs said Tuesday. “You’ve got to give guys the energy and the juice to feel like you’re carrying it. It could be a bad play. You got a pile and you push the pile or whatever. That’s stuff that gets guys energized and ready to go play.”

Jacobs rushed for 36 yards on 11 carries and caught five passes for 55 yards in a 20-17 loss at Detroit that marked his first game since pleading no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend.

With the Packers driving for a potential go-ahead score on Sunday, Jacobs couldn’t hang on to a pass in the end zone with the score tied and about 3 1/2 minutes left.

“I felt like I beat him so early (that) when I saw the ball, I kind of tried to slow down for the ball, but that’s a play that literally hit both hands,” Jacobs said. “Whenever it hit any hand, for my standard, I feel like you’ve got to catch it.”

The Packers (4-3) are counting on Jacobs to boost a running game that has struggled heading into Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers (3-3).

Green Bay’s 59.9 yards rushing per game are nearly 15 fewer than anyone else.

The only other team in the past 35 seasons to average fewer than 60 yards per rushing through its first seven games was the 2019 Cincinnati Bengals with 53.1.

Considering those numbers, it’s remarkable that Green Bay is above .500. Since 1933, the other 13 teams that averaged below 60 yards rushing through their seven games went a combined 11-79-1 during that stretch.

“If we want to be the team we want to be, we’ve definitely got to improve the run game,” quarterback Jordan Love said.

Carolina could be just what the Packers need.

The Panthers are coming a 43-13 home loss to Tampa Bay in which they allowed the Buccaneers to rush for 258 yards. Green Bay’s season rushing total didn’t reach 258 yards until its fifth game of the season.

But an offensive line decimated by injuries could have trouble creating running room.

Starting center Sean Rhyan (ankle) and backup Jacob Monk (quadriceps) got hurt against Detroit, with Monk landing on injured reserve. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said it’s uncertain whether Rhyan might end up on injured reserve as well.

Green Bay’s center for most of the Lions game was John Williams, who had never played a single snap on offense in his two-year career before Sunday.

Right guard Travis Glover has a knee issue that leaves his status uncertain for Thursday. The Packers already lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a season-ending knee injury last month.

All those offensive line injuries could make Jacobs’ job tougher. He’s ready to pick up the slack by gaining yards after contact.

“We’ve still got to make plays, and that’s a part of it,” Jacobs said. “Breaking tackles, grinding out those hard yards … turning a 2-yard run into a 4-yard run. That’s things that motivate the guys and also motivate the play-caller. So that’s something that we’ve definitely got to do.”

NOTES: LaFleur said LB Zaire Franklin (shin) will miss a second straight game Thursday. … WR Matthew Golden is on Green Bay’s injury report with shoulder and foot issues. Although the Packers had a walk-through Tuesday and didn’t practice Monday, the Packers estimated that Golden would have been held out each of those days. … LaFleur was asked about the possibility All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons could return to practice next week as he continues his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. “I sure hope so,” LaFleur said.

AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes, left, breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) breaks a tackle by Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (6) during a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Chuck Clark (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli voters delivered a sharp rebuke Tuesday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with exit polls indicating voters gave his opponents a solid majority in the next parliament. Whether those disparate parties can form a government is uncertain and will likely take weeks of haggling.

The easiest path would involve Netanyahu's main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, partnering with Arab-led parties, but that could prove politically difficult and potentially alienate other opposition factions.

Exit polls released early Wednesday by major Israeli TV stations suggested that Netanyahu’s bloc and Eisenkot's each won about 51 seats, and Arab parties won about 18. That would set the stage for weeks of political jockeying before a prime minister is declared — or another round of elections is called.

Eisenkot said the exit polls show a “lack of confidence” in Netanyahu and vowed to form a new government. Arab voters celebrated the exit polls while supporters of far-right parties aligned with Netanyahu expressed disappointment.

Netanyahu had yet to make a public statement early Wednesday, hours after the exit polls were released.

Like all surveys, exit polls are subject to potential error. Preliminary results are expected in the coming hours. Final results are expected in the coming days and may vary from the exit polls.

An inconclusive result would leave Israel in political limbo after the country’s first national election since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

The race was widely seen as a referendum on Netanyahu’s nearly unbroken 17-year rule, which had left Israelis bitterly divided on a host of issues even before the deadliest attack in the country's history. The resulting wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, along with settler violence in the occupied West Bank, have stoked worldwide outrage, straining ties with Israel’s closest allies and fueling a rise in antisemitism.

Among Israelis, the election was broadly viewed as a struggle over the character of the state, pitting Netanyahu and his ultranationalist and religious allies against those seeking to preserve its liberal and secular foundations. The opposition may soon have to grapple with the social divisions — between right and left, and between Jews and Arabs — that have widened during Netanyahu's long and polarizing rule.

Voter turnout was the highest since 1999, with more than 77% of eligible voters casting ballots, according to the Central Elections Committee. Over 7 million people were eligible to vote, and tens of thousands reportedly arrived from overseas.

Israel’s president will be tasked with asking the party leader with the best prospect of forming a government, usually one with the most seats, to cobble together a coalition. If Netanyahu's right-wing Likud emerges as the largest party, he could claim that right.

Meanwhile, there will be heavy pressure on Eisenkot to reach a deal with the Arab parties, while Netanyahu and his allies are likely to cast any such alliance as illegitimate and even treasonous.

Netanyahu had warned earlier that Arab parties could make or break the election, saying they were receiving “truly massive support” and heading to the polls in “unprecedented numbers.”

If no one can cobble together a majority coalition, new elections could be held early next year. Israel held five elections between April 2019 and November 2022 because of a similar stalemate.

No single party has ever won an outright majority in the country’s 120-seat parliament, forcing political leaders to forge coalitions. Minority governments are also possible, but they must rely on support or cooperation from parties outside the government to pass legislation.

Netanyahu’s current coalition peaked at 68 members before it began to disintegrate over the past year.

As the exit polls were broadcast, supporters at Eisenkot's party headquarters jumped for joy, chanting his name.

In a speech early Wednesday that focused on national unity, he pledged to form a government and promised “a new era — an era of hope” for Israelis.

“Today, Israel went out to a referendum over the leadership that will lead Israel in the coming years,” Eisenkot said to cheers from supporters. “The people decided in favor of change.”

Eisenkot warned Netanyahu not to “dare use Israel's security for your political needs” while he is a caretaker prime minister, an apparent reference to reports that the Israeli leader considered an attack against Iran in the sensitive days leading up the election.

At Netanyahu's party headquarters, filled mainly with media, the few supporters present chanted Netanyahu's name, draping themselves in flags with his face on them and kissing posters.

Netanyahu’s supporters see him as a steady hand and a consummate statesman who has led Israel through a war of redemption after the country’s darkest hour. They think he is protecting Israel’s security and Jewish identity in the face of international pressure and liberal elites at home.

His detractors see him as a polarizing leader who, beset by an ongoing corruption trial, dragged out the war in Gaza and its hostage crisis for political reasons. They say he is undermining Israel’s independent judiciary and weakening its democratic underpinnings. And they accuse him of abetting the system that has allowed ultra-Orthodox religious Jews to avoid military conscription.

“The present government is driving the country into the ground,” voter Angela Bengur said in Jerusalem.

Eisenkot is viewed by supporters as a capable leader with sterling security credentials who, along with his likely governing partners, could act as a bulwark against creeping illiberalism. As someone personally touched by the conflict — his son and two nephews were killed in Gaza — his backers believe that he feels deeply the pain that still courses through Israel.

Parties that likely would support Eisenkot have vowed to improve Israel’s international standing and work to conscript ultra-Orthodox men while bolstering the independence of the judiciary.

The elections are about “who serves and who evades service — who takes an active part in building this country and who doesn’t,” said voter Nisso Shitrit in Tel Aviv's Jaffa neighborhood.

The election is Israel's first national vote since the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war in Gaza and related conflicts. In Tel Aviv, families of some killed on Oct. 7 or former hostages held a moment of silence during the vote.

“Remember all those whose voices are no more,” said Yona Adam, whose daughter Mapal Adam was killed.

Israel has found itself increasingly isolated over its conduct in Gaza and the West Bank. Public support among Americans has plummeted, and partners in Europe and elsewhere have slapped sanctions on Israel. Netanyahu faces an international arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza, allegations he denies.

Also hanging over the election were lingering tensions with Iran. Netanyahu ramped up threats ahead of the vote, warning Tehran it would face “a devastating blow” if it attacked Israel.

Associated Press writers across Israel contributed to this report.

Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu react to the release of the first exit poll results in Israel's general election in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

People wave flags and cheer in the street as they celebrate early exit poll results for Israel's general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

People spray sparkling wine as they celebrate early exit poll results for Israel's general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party, and his wife, Hannah Eisenkot, cast their ballots at a polling station during Israel's general election in Herzliya, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media after voting at a polling station in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (Jewel Samad/Pool Photo via AP)

Israeli settlers line up to vote at a school serving as a polling station during Israel's general election in the settlement of Kiryat Arba, in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel casts her ballot in the country's general election at a polling station in Umm al-Fahm, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men work at the United Torah Judaism (Yahadut HaTorah) party headquarters during Israel's general election in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A woman waves an Israeli flag from a car window during Israel's general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party and his wife, Hannah, arrive at a polling station to cast their ballot during Israel's general election in Herzliya, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacts after filling out his ballot before voting at a polling station in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel /Pool Photo via AP)

Israeli settlers and border police officers line up to vote outside a polling station during Israel's general election in Hebron, West Bank, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A patient on a wheelchair casts his ballot at a polling station at Rambam Hospital during Israel's general election in Haifa, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Voters line up to cast their ballots at a school serving as a polling station during Israel's general election in Bnei Brak, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party, visits a polling station in Ofakim, southern Israel, during the country's general election Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Volunteers hang campaign posters outside a polling station, beneath a Democrats banner featuring Yair Golan and beside Likud posters depicting Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, during Israel's general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Israeli settlers line up to vote at a school serving as a polling station during Israel's general election in the settlement of Kiryat Arba, in the occupied West Bank, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Voters arrive to cast their ballots in Israel's general election, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A man casts his ballot at a polling station during Israel's general election in Haifa, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Voters cast their ballots at a polling station during Israel's general election in Jerusalem Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A Palestinian citizen of Israel votes for Israel's general election at a polling station in Maghar, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Voters arrive to cast their ballots in Israel's general election, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Voters line up before a polling site opens to cast their ballots in Israel's general election, in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party, visits a polling station in Ofakim, southern Israel, during the country's general election Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

A pigeon flies past a Likud Party campaign billboard featuring U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with a Hebrew message reading, "We have one opportunity to win," in Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A demonstrator picks up an Israeli flag surrounded by photos of victims of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack during an anti-government protest ahead of Israel's general election, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the Likud party, gestures to supporters as security personnel surround him during a campaign appearance at a market in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, ahead of the country's general election. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party, waves an Israeli flag after speaking at a campaign rally ahead of the country's general election, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A pedestrian passes a campaign billboard featuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and his main rival, opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot, with a message in Hebrew that reads "The race is tight," Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/David Goldman)