Brandon Jacobs not practicing, will likely be ruled out or doubtful

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

New York Giants starting RB Brandon Jacobs was not able to play in Monday night’s win against the Minnesota Vikings, as he was ruled inactive after suffering a setback on his injured hamstring just a couple of days before the game. Jacobs did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and he was also unable to practice today. The Giants will almost certainly give Peyton Hillis a second straight start, and losing Jacobs in a rivalry game certainly isn’t ideal. He’s no great shakes, but Jacobs is the Giants best bet at the running back position due to the rash of injuries.

The Newark Star Ledger’s Conor Orr reports that Brandon Jacobs will “likely” be ruled as doubtful or out on the team’s official injury report for this week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. I would be beyond shocked if Jacobs plays this week, and he didn’t show any optimism on his status earlier this week.

Hillis isn’t a terrible option, but he is clearly not a great option. However, Hillis does provide plenty of value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, and hopefully the Giants can get a bit more out of ultra-raw rusher Michael Cox. Jacobs’s hamstring injury looks more serious than usual thanks to last week’s setback, and his role with the team will be unclear following the Week 9 bye. Why? Andre Brown is eligible to come off of the short-term I.R. in Week 10, and there is no indication that he will miss that deadline.

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