Josh Jacobs set to leave NFL exempt list ahead of Packers’ Week 7 game
The NFL says the Green Bay running back will become eligible to play against Detroit on Oct. 25, while its personal conduct investigation continues.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is scheduled to come off the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt List on Oct. 19, the league announced Friday, Oct. 16, making him eligible for Green Bay’s Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 25. The change would end the roster restriction that has kept him out of the Packers’ first five games, but the league’s personal conduct review remains open.
The NFL said its review is unaffected by the change in Jacobs’ roster status. The league could impose further discipline if warranted, On3 reported. Eligibility for the Lions game therefore does not settle the separate question of whether the NFL will take action under its Personal Conduct Policy.
Why Jacobs has missed Green Bay’s first five games
Jacobs was placed on the exempt list on Aug. 30, before the season began. Players on that list cannot practice or play for their teams, according to On3. Green Bay went 3-2 during his absence, and NFL.com ranked its rushing offense 32nd in the league. UPI put the Packers’ average at 60.4 rushing yards per game through those five games.
The placement followed Jacobs’ May arrest in Wisconsin. UPI reported that the Brown County District Attorney’s Office found insufficient evidence to pursue the initial charges against him. Jacobs later pleaded no contest on Sept. 10 to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges, according to NFL.com. UPI reported that the property damage count was suspended for 12 months and would be dismissed if he completes the terms of a deferred judgment agreement.
The earlier plea was covered in NewsJaws’ report on Jacobs’ misdemeanor charges. On3 quoted Jacobs’ attorneys as saying he accepts responsibility for his actions and is eager to return to his teammates. They said he would make no further comment while legal matters remain ongoing.
When Jacobs could return for the Packers
Green Bay hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 18, before Jacobs’ scheduled removal from the list. Its next game is against Detroit on Oct. 25. Jacobs played 15 games last season and led the Packers with 929 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, according to On3. His availability for Week 7 would give Green Bay the option of restoring its leading rusher from last season.
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Sources and context
- NFL to remove Packers running back Josh Jacobs from commissioner's listYahoo Sports, carrying United Press International reporting
- NFL to remove Josh Jacobs from Commissioner Exempt listOn3
- NFL removing Packers RB Josh Jacobs, Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper from Commissioner Exempt ListNFL.com
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.