Josh Jacobs’ off-field situation has put a massive wrench in the middle of the Packers’ run game, but this isn’t the only reason they’re struggling.
Heading into Week 5, Green Bay ranked dead last in rush EPA (-29), success rate (31.5 percent), rushing yards over expected per play (-0.8) and rush yards per game (58.0) per Next Gen Stats.
I’m not finished.
The Packers ranked second-worst in rush yards per play (3.2), third-worst in stuffed percentage (21.9%) and are in a four-way tie for fewest run plays of 10-plus yards (6) per NGS.
Long story short, Green Bay’s ground game isn’t just bad; it is absolutely putrid.
OK, enough ripping into the Packers, for now, but why exactly is this happening, and how do the Bears match up both offensively and defensively?
Line dancing
A poorly insulated offensive line has been a death wish for Green Bay in 2026. After releasing center Elgton Jenkins and not re-signing tackle Rasheed Walker, the Packers had to turn to young talent like Jordan Morgan, Donovan Jennings, Anthony Belton, Jacob Monk and Jager Burton.
Adding insult to injury, Green Bay has had abysmal injury luck, losing star tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (formerly Zach Tom) for the year with a torn patellar tendon. Additionally, veteran guard Aaron Banks has missed three games with toe and knee injuries. Banks also looks unlikely to play on Sunday.
After a rough three weeks, Packers’ GM Brian Gutekunst attempted an in-season patch job in the offensive trenches, signing guards Kevin Zeitler and Laken Tomlinson to the active roster, while adding guard Mekhi Becton to the practice squad.
The revamped unit did look better last week against the Buccaneers, getting the team a season-high 86 rushing yards. While that number is still not inspiring, it’s definitely a step up from the 17 Green Bay put up vs. Atlanta.
The Packers’ poor O-line play and lack of running back depth has made Green Bay’s offense more one-dimensional than ever before under head coach Matt LaFleur. In fact, through four games this season, the Packers have the lowest run rate in the NFL at 31.1 percent. Last year, they ranked fifth-highest at 48.7 percent per NGS.
Bearing in
It’s been a tale of two sides in the run game for the Bears and Packers. Heading into the week, Chicago ranked second in rushing touchdowns (nine) and first in rush yards per game (196.3). This marks a difference of 138.3 rushing yards per game between the two sides per NGS.
With Kyle Monangai out this week, it will be up to his teammate D’Andre Swift, to put on the cape for the Bears ground game Sunday.
The Packers haven’t been particularly stout in the defensive run game either, with the fifth-most yards per game allowed with 139.3, compared to Chicago’s 102.5, the 20th most. While the Bears’ run defense has been solid in 2026, they are still prone to being gashed, allowing the fifth-most rushing yards per play (4.9). The Packers rank 17th best in the same category per NGS.
Good for them.
With a Chicago defense vulnerable to explosive run plays and a Green Bay rush attack allergic to them, it will be interesting to see what side exposes its opponent’s weakness more Sunday.