Brandon Jacobs not expected to play

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (34) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy owners hopefully didn’t decided to start New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, because it sounds like he is very unlikely to play in tonight’s showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The New York Daily News’s Ebenezer Samuel reports that Brandon Jacobs is not expected to play tonight, and he is reportedly more doubtful than questionable. He suffered a setback at some point in the past few days, because he was unable to practice on Saturday after being limited on both Thursday and Friday. Jacobs’s hamstring injury didn’t seem significant at first glance, but the 31-year-old is set to miss this one.

It’s still possible for Jacobs to be able to suit up for today’s game, but it would be a surprise to see him out there. Every indication is that he suffered a setback, and FOX Sports’s Mike Garafolo had a similar report earlier today that essentially stated that Jacobs should be considered doubtful for tonight’s matchup.

The veteran back had 106 yards and two touchdowns in a huge game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night in Week 6, and his absence would be a crushing blow for the Giants. Andre Brown is getting healthier but is still on the short-term I.R., David Wilson sounds like he’s at least a month away from returning, and that leaves Michael Cox and Peyton Hillis as the only healthy RBs on the roster. Hillis was signed earlier this week, and he will play by necessity. Giants fans will hope that Hillis can turn back the clock like Jacobs did last year, and that Cox isn’t nearly as raw as we think.

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