Packers' Josh Jacobs Returns for First Game Since Domestic Violence Arrest
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is returning to the field after a long absence. Following his arrest earlier this year on domestic violence charges, he was placed on the commissioner's exempt list and missed the team's first six games; on Saturday the Packers activated him back to the roster.
On Sunday, in an important NFC North matchup against the Detroit Lions, Jacobs is expected to line up as the Packers' lead running back. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. ET.
Jacobs landed on the commissioner's exempt list following the alleged incident. He was placed on the list on 30 August, three days after charges were filed against him. While on the list he could not play or practise with the team, but he was able to prepare himself in other ways.
On the legal side, Jacobs pleaded no contest to two misdemeanour charges — battery and criminal damage to property. The league has noted that his removal from the list does not hinder its ongoing investigation, and he is allowed back with the Packers while that investigation continues.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said earlier this week that even on the exempt list Jacobs could attend team meetings. In the coach's words, 'He could go to meetings. He could lift with our strength coaches and condition with them. He couldn't go to any of the team activities — the practices and what not.'
As a team, the Packers are on a winning run — they are 4-2 and have won three straight. But their rushing attack is the weakest in the league: they average just 59.8 rushing yards per game, 16.2 fewer than anyone else, and their 2.9 yards per carry ranks last. In Jacobs' absence, MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. were all given chances, but none were productive.
That is why Jacobs' return is such welcome news for the team. Last season he ran for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 4 yards per carry. The season before, in 2024, he rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns and made the Pro Bowl.
Speaking to reporters this week, Jacobs expressed remorse. 'Excited to be back with the team, with the guys,' he said. 'I want to say thank you to the organization really for supporting me throughout this whole process and how everything played out.'
He added: 'With that being said, I can't really get into a lot of things, like specifics of things, but obviously I'm remorseful, and sorry for putting this [team] in this situation. Sometimes, when you go through life, situations occur, and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life honestly. With that being said, still a human being, man, still trying to learn, still trying to grow from the whole process. Actually learned a lot throughout this whole process, legally and just personally.'
Jacobs also filed a civil suit last week calling for an injunction and a protective order surrounding evidence in the case, specifically surveillance footage of the incident, which would restrict access to the records.
On the field, all eyes will be on whether the Packers' running game comes alive against the Lions. Off the field, attention will stay on the next decision in the league's investigation.
