Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will play in his first game since his arrest on domestic violence charges, as the team activated him from the commissioner's exempt list on Saturday. The NFL's commissioner's exempt list is a status that prevents players from participating in team activities while legal issues are resolved. Jacobs was placed on the list on Aug. 30, three days after charges were filed against him, and missed the team's first six games. The Packers (4-2) face the Detroit Lions on Sunday in an NFC North matchup, with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. ET. Jacobs is expected to be the team's lead back.
The league continues to investigate the situation, even though Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. The NFL has noted that his removal from the exempt list does not hinder that investigation. While on the list, Jacobs was barred from practices and other team activities, but head coach Matt LaFleur said earlier this week that Jacobs was still able to attend meetings, lift with strength coaches, and condition with them.
Green Bay has won three straight games but is averaging just 59.8 rushing yards per game, which is 16.2 fewer than any other team in the league. The Packers are also last in the league in yards per carry at 2.9. Other running backs MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. have been given opportunities to establish themselves, but none have been productive. Last year, Jacobs ran for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry. That followed a 2024 season in which he rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl.
During a media availability earlier this week, Jacobs expressed remorse for his actions and thanked the organization for its support. He said he could not discuss specifics of the incident but acknowledged that a short decision can alter a life and that he is still trying to learn and grow from the process. Jacobs also filed a civil suit last week seeking legal orders to limit access to the incident's surveillance footage and related case records.