Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that running back Josh Jacobs is on track to play Sunday as long as he gets through today’s practice and continues to trend in the right direction.
The update offers the clearest signal yet that the 28-year-old could make his 2026 debut in a key NFC North matchup. Jacobs has not appeared in a game this season after beginning the year on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
That designation was lifted Monday, restoring his eligibility for the first time since training camp. Jacobs missed the opening six contests while the league reviewed his case.
He pleaded no contest in September to misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a May incident involving his then-girlfriend. The NFL’s investigation under its personal conduct policy remains open, which could still result in further discipline.
Jacobs returned to the practice field this week after a light walkthrough on Wednesday and a full session Thursday. He stayed around the facility during his time on the exempt list, attending meetings and working with the strength staff, but had no exposure to live football.
The Packers enter Week 7 at 4-2 after winning three straight games, most recently a 23-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The stretch has improved their positioning, though the ground game has lagged far behind the rest of the offense.
Through six games, Green Bay ranks last in the NFL in both rushing yards per game and yards per carry. The unit has managed just 359 yards on 125 attempts, averaging 59.8 yards per contest and 2.9 yards per attempt.
MarShawn Lloyd leads the backs with 122 yards and two touchdowns on 48 carries. Kaleb Johnson has added 104 yards on 28 attempts, while other options have been even less productive. Chris Brooks is on injured reserve.
Jacobs produced 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 234 carries in 2025, along with 36 receptions for 282 yards and another score. That output gave the Packers a consistent threat that has been absent this year.
A return could help generate more efficient scoring drives and reduce the load on quarterback Jordan Love, who has shouldered much of the offensive production while the run game stalled. Love has thrown for 1,684 yards so far.
In the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings sit at 5-0, the Chicago Bears are 5-2, the Packers hold 4-2, and the Detroit Lions stand at 3-2. Every team remains in contention for a playoff spot.
Green Bay travels to face the Lions on Sunday at Ford Field, with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX. The Lions’ offense has shown the ability to put up points in bunches, raising the stakes for an improved Packers attack.
LaFleur has described Jacobs as capable of providing a spark if activated. The final call will hinge on how the running back responds to Friday’s work and whether the staff sees him ready for live action after the long layoff.
Even limited snaps could shift the balance in a tight divisional contest. The Packers have relied heavily on the pass while searching for answers on the ground, and Jacobs’ presence addresses their clearest weakness heading into the second half of the schedule.
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