Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is set to return to practice Wednesday and has a chance to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Jacobs missed the first six games of the season while on the NFL's commissioner exempt list. Pass rusher Micah Parsons, however, will not return to practice this week, and it could be a couple more weeks before he takes the field for the first time since last year's ACL surgery.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that Jacobs has been training and staying engaged, though he has missed football exposure. He has been able to attend meetings and work out with the strength and conditioning staff, but not team practices. "Well, I think he's an elite-level back," LaFleur said. "He's certainly not going to hurt it. I think he can provide a spark." LaFleur said Jacobs' status for Sunday will be determined later in the week based on how practice goes.
The Packers have struggled running the ball without Jacobs. Their 59.8 rushing yards per game is last in the NFL by more than 16 yards, and the third lowest average by any team through six games in the past 20 years. Green Bay has not reached 100 rushing yards as a team in any game this season but still owns a 4-2 record.
Jacobs still faces the NFL's ongoing investigation into personal conduct policy violations stemming from a misdemeanor battery charge earlier this year. He pleaded no contest to battery and criminal destruction of property charges, and the NFL is hoping to view surveillance video of the May 23 incident before ruling on any suspension. Any suspension longer than six games would cause him to miss additional games. The Packers have stood by Jacobs and have no plans to release him.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing