Josh Jacobs is set to return to the Green Bay Packers’ practice field Wednesday, giving the club a chance to evaluate whether he can play in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions after six weeks on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Jacobs’ game availability remains undecided. The Packers will use the practice week to determine whether the veteran running back is ready for immediate action or whether a limited role would be more appropriate.
- Josh Jacobs — eligible to return from the Commissioner’s Exempt List; scheduled to practice Wednesday; Week 7 status against Detroit has not been determined.
Jacobs has continued training during his time away from the active roster and remained involved in team meetings and weight-room work. LaFleur said the missing element has been live football exposure, making this week’s practices central to Green Bay’s decision.
“He is in a pretty good place,” LaFleur said, while noting that Jacobs has not had the on-field football work that comes with regular team participation.
The three-time Pro Bowler was placed on the exempt list after entering a no-contest plea on Sept. 10 to two misdemeanor charges connected to a May arrest following an altercation with his girlfriend. The NFL’s review of the matter remains ongoing.
Green Bay has struggled to establish its ground game without Jacobs. The Packers are averaging an NFL-low 59.8 rushing yards per game and have not reached 100 rushing yards in any of their first six games. The offense has instead placed a major burden on quarterback Jordan Love and the passing attack.
LaFleur believes Jacobs could quickly give the unit a lift, calling him an elite back capable of providing a spark. Still, the team must decide whether one full practice week is enough preparation for a significant workload.
Week ahead
The Packers will begin their on-field evaluation of Jacobs on Wednesday before making a final call on his status for the Week 7 divisional matchup with the Lions. Green Bay could activate him and manage his carries if the coaching staff believes he is ready to contribute but not prepared for a full workload.
“We’ll monitor him during the week, see how he feels, and then make that decision,” LaFleur said.
