Josh Jacobs is finally getting closer to a return for the Green Bay Packers, but the running back is still not all the way back yet.
The NFL announced Friday that Jacobs will be removed from the Commissioner's Exempt List on Monday, which opens the door for him to rejoin the practice field. The league also said its investigation into the incident that led to his absence is still ongoing. That means Jacobs still won’t be available for Week 6, but he could be back practicing next week for the first time since training camp.
Jacobs has been away from the Packers since the start of the season while the NFL investigated his May arrest. The case stemmed from an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, and Jacobs was charged with two misdemeanors: battery and criminal damage to property.
He later reached a no contest plea deal in September, but that did not immediately clear the way for his return. Instead, the league kept him sidelined on the exempt list while the investigation continued.
Under NFL rules, a player on the Commissioner's Exempt List is temporarily removed from the active roster limit, and only the commissioner can place or lift that status. Jacobs was not eligible to be reinstated until the league chose to take him off the list.
The next step will be the league’s final discipline, and that punishment could factor in the six games Jacobs has already missed. Since he has been out for six games this season, the NFL may treat those absences as part of any suspension it eventually hands down.
Even with Monday’s move, a Week 7 debut is not guaranteed. The Packers face the Detroit Lions next Sunday, then turn around to host the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night in Week 8.
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