The Green Bay Packers are finally getting their star running back. Josh Jacobs will return to practice on Wednesday and could play Sunday against the Detroit Lions after missing the first six games of the season on the NFL’s commissioner exempt list.
Josh Jacobs (Credits: Getty Images)
Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the timeline on Monday, telling reporters that Jacobs is set for a full week of work, though his game status remains “to be determined.” The NFL removed Jacobs from the exempt list on Monday, October 19, making him eligible to practice and play for the first time since the season began.
A Desperate Need for a Running Game
The Packers could not need their three-time Pro Bowl back more. Without Jacobs, Green Bay has fielded by far the worst rushing offense in the NFL through six games — just 59.8 rushing yards per game, the lowest in the league by more than 16 yards and the third-lowest mark by any team through six games in the past 20 years. The Packers have failed to reach 100 rushing yards as a team in any game this season.
“Well, I think he’s an elite-level back,” LaFleur said. “He’s certainly not going to hurt it. I think he can provide a spark.”
Jacobs has four seasons of 1,000 rushing yards and four campaigns of double-digit rushing touchdowns on his résumé — production that towers over anything his young replacements have managed. Last season he rushed for over 900 yards for Green Bay.
Ready — But Still Under Investigation
While on the exempt list, Jacobs was able to do just about everything except practice or play in games: he attended meetings, lifted with strength coaches, and stayed in condition. “We feel like he’s in a pretty good spot,” LaFleur said. “He’s been training, but he’s missed the exposure to football.”
The situation is not fully resolved, though. The NFL’s personal conduct policy investigation into Jacobs remains ongoing following his May arrest. Jacobs pleaded no contest on September 10 to misdemeanor battery and criminal destruction of property charges stemming from an incident at his home near Green Bay, was convicted of battery and fined $1,000. If the league suspends him for more than six games, he would miss additional time — possibly even after playing.
Meanwhile, the return of pass rusher Micah Parsons will have to wait. LaFleur said Parsons will not practice this week as he continues recovering from last year’s ACL surgery. At 4-2, Green Bay travels to Detroit on Sunday with a chance to seize control of the NFC North — and possibly with its bell cow back in the backfield.
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Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
