The Green Bay Packers will get running back Josh Jacobs back for his 2026 season debut Sunday against the Detroit Lions, after he spent the first six weeks on the NFL's commissioner exempt list. The Packers activated him from exempt status Saturday, and the league removed him from the list Monday.
The NFL's investigation into Jacobs for potential violations of its personal conduct policy remains active. It stems from his arrest earlier this year on misdemeanor battery and destruction of property charges. A suspension could equal or exceed the number of games he has already missed, but those six games would be credited toward any penalty. For now, Jacobs is cleared to play.
Jacobs pleaded no contest on Sept. 10 to charges arising from a May 23 incident with a woman at his home near Green Bay. He was convicted of battery and fined $1,000, and he reached a deferred judgment agreement on the property damage charge.
The Packers' running game has struggled without him, ranking last in the NFL at 59.8 rushing yards per game. Jacobs was the team's leading rusher the previous two seasons, ranking eighth in the league in combined rushing yards (2,258) and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (28) during 2024 and 2025. The team also made several roster moves, including signing WR/KR Coleman Owen to the active roster, elevating edge rusher Arron Mosby for game day, and activating defensive tackle Jordon Riley.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing