Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is expected to rejoin the active lineup this week after missing the first six games of the 2026 season on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List following domestic violence-related charges.
Head coach Matt LaFleur voiced support for the veteran, saying he views the situation as an opportunity for growth.
“I think a lot of times, you get in a situation where you might not make the right decision,” LaFleur said. “And I think people learn from their mistakes.”
LaFleur said he has observed clear regret from Jacobs during his time away from the team.
“I think he’s extremely remorseful, and I do believe that he’s a good person. I’ve been around him quite a bit. I believe in second chances.”
The Packers enter Week 7 at 4-2 and hold the second spot in the NFC North, but their ground game ranks as the league’s weakest. Green Bay averages 59.8 rushing yards per game, dead last among the 32 NFL teams, while posting a 2.9 yards-per-carry mark that is also the league’s lowest.
The team has accumulated only 359 rushing yards on 125 attempts through six games.
MarShawn Lloyd leads the Packers with 122 yards on 48 carries, averaging 2.5 yards per attempt with two touchdowns. Kaleb Johnson has contributed 104 yards on 28 carries, while other backs have seen limited or inconsistent work.
Jacobs pleaded no contest in September to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges stemming from a May incident involving his then-girlfriend. Authorities initially pursued more serious counts, including a felony allegation, before reducing them.
The NFL placed Jacobs on the exempt list in late August while conducting its personal conduct policy review. League officials have treated the time missed as equivalent to a suspension, clearing him to practice and potentially play Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
The investigation remains open, in part because the league has not reviewed available video footage of the incident.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich expects an immediate boost once Jacobs is integrated.
“Josh will definitely help, for sure,” Stenavich said. “He’s an excellent player, and he’ll provide some good spark for our offense. So, I’m excited about that. But we just all need to do a better job.”
LaFleur said the coaching staff will assess Jacobs’ conditioning and readiness during the week before finalizing a plan.
“I think that’s going to be determined throughout the course of the week,” LaFleur said. “See where he’s at, see how he’s feeling, and then we’ll make a decision.”
In 2024, his first season with Green Bay, Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. He followed that with 929 yards and 13 scores in 2025.
The Packers’ passing attack ranks fifth in the NFL at roughly 269 yards per game, providing balance while the run game lagged without Jacobs.
Green Bay travels to Detroit on Sunday for an NFC North contest against the 3-2 Lions. The return of Jacobs is viewed as a potential stabilizer for an offense that has won three straight despite ranking 32nd in both total rushing yards and efficiency.
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