Josh Jacobs practices after six-game absence as NFL inquiry continues

Josh Jacobs has taken part in practice with the Packers and has a chance to play after spending the first six games on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. An NFL investigation into potential Personal Conduct Policy violations remains ongoing.

In his first appearance before reporters following his May 26 arrest, the running back expressed remorse for putting the team in that position. He thanked the Packers for supporting him, declined to address details of the incident and said he wanted to learn from what happened.

The case concerns a May 23 incident with a woman at Jacobs’ home. On Sept. 10, Jacobs pleaded no contest to battery and criminal destruction of property charges. He was convicted of battery, fined US$1,000 and agreed to a deferred judgment agreement concerning the property damage charge.

The original criminal complaint described surveillance footage showing part of the altercation. Jacobs and the victim sought through a lawsuit to keep the evidence permanently sealed. With the precise contents of the video unavailable to the NFL, the league has not ruled out additional discipline.

Jacobs said he believed a six-game absence was too much but was not contesting it. He also said he had expected to play again and that being away from football had given him time to reassess his priorities.