Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs spoke publicly for the first time this week since returning to the team following his removal from the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list, apologizing to teammates and expressing remorse for the incident that led to his offseason arrest.
Jacobs missed the first six weeks of the 2026 season after being placed on the exempt list on Aug. 30, stemming from a May arrest in Wisconsin on domestic abuse allegations. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. The NFL says its investigation into the matter continues despite his reinstatement with the Packers.
“Excited to be back with the team, with the guys,” Jacobs told reporters. “I want to say thank you to the organization really for supporting me throughout this whole process and how everything played out.”
“With that being said, I can’t really get into a lot of things, like specifics of things, but obviously I’m remorseful, and sorry for putting this time in this situation.”
Jacobs continued: “Sometimes, when you go through life, situations occur, and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life honestly. With that being said, still a human being, man, still trying to learn, still trying to grow from the whole process. Actually learned a lot throughout this whole process, legally and just personally.”
As part of his plea deal, Jacobs must pay a $1,000 fine, attend counseling, pay restitution for property he damaged, and have no further contact with the victim. If he satisfies those terms for one year, the property damage charge will be dismissed.
According to the allegations, Jacobs grabbed his ex-girlfriend as she tried to leave his garage and threw her to the ground, in an incident that occurred three days before his arrest. Jacobs also recently filed a civil suit seeking an injunction and protective order to restrict public access to case records, including surveillance footage that has been reported to corroborate the victim’s account.
“I know for some people this might be a stain on me and my character,” Jacobs said. “I feel like I don’t have to really speak on my character. A lotta people that know me in this locker room, or that’s been around me, I’ll let them do that. For me, man, I’m just trying to come back in here, play ball, learn from this mistake and move forward.”
Coach backs ‘second chances’
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed Jacobs’ return during a Wednesday news conference, saying he believes in giving players another opportunity.
“I think a lot of times you get in a situation where you might not make the right decision. I think people learn from their mistakes. I think he’s extremely remorseful, and I do believe he is a good person. I’ve been around him quite a bit. I believe in second chances.”
The Packers have not confirmed whether Jacobs will play Sunday against the Detroit Lions. LaFleur said Jacobs has been training but has missed game exposure, and that a decision on his availability would come later in the week based on how he is feeling.
In Jacobs’ absence, Green Bay’s run game has struggled, averaging just 59.8 yards per game on the ground with MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kaleb Johnson sharing carries. The Packers, now 4-2 on a three-game winning streak, rank among the league’s top five passing offenses at 269.3 yards per game behind quarterback Jordan Love.
Last season, Jacobs rushed for 929 yards across 15 games and finished fourth in the NFL with 13 rushing touchdowns.
