Josh Jacobs Calls Arrest a Mistake, Cleared to Face Lions

Josh Jacobs is back, and the Packers' backfield is about to look a lot different. Speaking for the first time since his May arrest, Jacobs said Wednesday he is "remorseful" and trying to learn from a "mistake," and he is cleared to play Sunday at Detroit after six games on the commissioner exempt list, per ESPN.

"I'm remorseful and sorry for putting this team in this situation," Jacobs said. "I'm just trying to come back in here and play ball, learn from this mistake and move forward."

Where things stand with the league

The NFL removed Jacobs from the exempt list Monday, but its investigation into possible personal conduct policy violations is still active. The six games he missed will be credited toward any suspension that could still come down. For now, he is eligible for Week 7.

Jacobs pleaded no contest on Sept. 10 to charges of battery and criminal destruction of property from a May 23 incident involving a woman at his home near Green Bay. He was convicted of battery and fined $1,000, and reached a deferred judgment agreement on the property damage charge. Part of why the league has not closed its case is surveillance video from Jacobs' garage, and both Jacobs and the woman have filed suit to keep that evidence permanently sealed.

"I think six games was a lot, honestly, but that's not really up to me to decide," Jacobs said. He also said he is "not trying to win nobody back" outside the building, while acknowledging that people may "feel some type of way about it."

Matt LaFleur backed him. "I think he's extremely remorseful and I do believe that he's a good person," the coach said. "I believe in second chances."

Why the Packers need him on the field

Football-wise, the gap has been obvious. Green Bay is 4-2, but without Jacobs it has the worst running game in the NFL, last in rushing yards per game at 59.8. Jacobs led the Packers in rushing each of the last two seasons, ranking eighth in the league in combined rushing yards (2,258) and tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (28) across 2024 and 2025.

Jacobs said he was not sure whether he would play Sunday. Jordan Love made it sound like there was little doubt. "We'll give Josh as many touches as he needs, try to get him rolling," Love said, adding that it is his first game back after a lot of missed time.

What to watch Thursday

Because Wednesday was a walk-through, Jacobs technically has not practiced with the team since the end of training camp. He is expected to practice Thursday. So is Love, who showed up on the injury report for the first time this season with a back issue and was estimated as limited. Love said there is no chance he misses the game.

The Packers visit the Lions on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Smacktok pick: if Jacobs gets through Thursday's practice, lean toward him handling the lead role at Detroit, since Love is promising him "as many touches as he needs" and the Packers' run game ranks dead last without him. Keep expectations measured for a first game back after six weeks with no full practices.