rutlandherald
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers are anticipating the return of running back Josh Jacobs, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, to address their most significant offensive deficiency. However, the extent of his immediate contribution remains uncertain.
Jacobs is scheduled to practice on Wednesday after the NFL removed him from the commissioner's exempt list. Coach Matt LaFleur has not disclosed whether Jacobs will play in Sunday's game at Detroit. "I think that's going to be determined throughout the course of the week," LaFleur said Monday, a day after the Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-13. "See where he's at, see how he's feeling and then we'll make a decision."
Jacobs was placed on the exempt list on Aug. 30, three days after charges were filed against him stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. He pleaded no contest last month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. While on the exempt list, Jacobs was barred from playing or practicing but could still attend meetings and work out with strength coaches. "He could go to meetings," LaFleur said. "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."
The NFL announced last week that it plans to remove Jacobs from the exempt list, though the league continues to investigate the case and could impose further discipline. Green Bay (4-2) has won three straight games but is averaging only 59.8 rushing yards per game, 16.2 fewer than any other team. The Packers also rank last in the league in yards per carry (2.9).
MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Pierre Strong Jr. have all been given opportunities to establish themselves, but none have been productive. Lloyd leads the team with 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 48 carries. Johnson has run for 104 yards on 28 attempts, while Strong has 16 rushes for 35 yards. Chris Brooks, who has 15 carries for 70 yards, is on injured reserve with an ankle issue.
Jacobs ran for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry last year. That followed a 2024 season in which he rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl. "I think he can provide a spark," LaFleur said.
Key Analysis
The Packers' rushing offense has been a glaring weakness all season, but the return of Jacobs offers hope for improvement. His track record as a productive back could provide a much-needed boost, though his availability and effectiveness after a lengthy absence remain to be seen. Green Bay's next four opponents — Detroit, Carolina, New England, and Minnesota — have a combined record of 15-6, making the stakes even higher.
Originally reported by rutlandherald.