As expected, Josh Jacobs will be able to make his season debut this week. The Packers have officially removed him from the commissioner’s exempt list.
Jacobs was among the players essentially placed on paid leave just before the start of the campaign. As a result, he remained unavailable to practice or play for Green Bay for the first six weeks of the season. The Pro Bowl guard was delisted Monday, however, setting the stage for today’s news.
A no contest plea to misdemeanor charges ended Jacobs’ criminal case, which stemmed from an incident with his then-girlfriend in May. The NFL’s investigation into this matter is ongoing and it remains to be seen whether a fine and/or suspension will be imposed. Jacobs’ time on the exempt list would count toward any ban imposed in this case.
“I think six games is a lot, honestly, but it’s not really up to me.” said the 28-year-old (via Rob Demovsky of ESPN) in his first public remarks of the season. “I’m grateful to be playing, so it’s not even something I like to argue with or petition. I’m just happy to be back in the team.
“I am remorseful and I am sorry for putting this team in this situation,” » added Jacobs. “Sometimes when you go through life, situations arise and a four or three second decision can honestly change your life. But that being said, you’re still a human being, a man, still trying to learn, still trying to grow from the whole process.”
Bringing Jacobs back into the fold will provide a boost to Green Bay’s offense. The team currently ranks last in rushing yards per game, and improvement in that regard would be key moving forward. The 4-2 Packers face the Lions tomorrow with a lot at stake given how competitive the NFC North is.
Green Bay will also have Jordan Riley available for Week 7. The fourth-year defensive tackle was moved to the reserve/PUP list during roster cuts. That guaranteed at least a four-game absence to start the season, but Riley had his practice window open last week. With plenty of time to spare regarding his 21-day activation window, the former seventh-rounder is now in the fold.
In other Saturday moves, the Packers signed a wide receiver Coleman Owen from the practice squad to the active roster. Edge rusher Arron Mosby was elevated for Week 7, meaning he too will be able to dress against Detroit tomorrow.
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