Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will be removed from the NFL’s Commissioner’s Exempt List on Monday, 19 October, and will be eligible to play in the team’s Week Seven meeting with the Detroit Lions on 25 October.
The league said its investigation into the incident that led to Jacobs’ placement on the list remains ongoing and will not be affected by the change in his roster status. ([uk.sports.yahoo.com](https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/packers-rb-josh-jacobs-to-be-removed-from-nfls-commissioner-exempt-list-will-be-eligible-to-play-week-7-195433021.html?utm_source=openai))
Josh Jacobs to return after NFL review
Jacobs, 28, was placed on the exempt list in August after being charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property following an altercation with his then-girlfriend at his Wisconsin home in May.
The designation is an administrative measure rather than a formal suspension. It prevented Jacobs from practising or attending games while allowing him to continue receiving his salary. Missed matches can count towards any eventual league suspension, although the player may be required to repay money earned during that period. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-places-packers-rb-josh-jacobs-commissioner-exempt-list))
Jacobs pleaded no contest to the two charges in September. Under an agreement with prosecutors, the criminal damage charge can be dismissed after a year if he complies with conditions including supervision, counselling, restitution and avoiding the woman involved in the case. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-rb-josh-jacobs-sues-to-have-evidence-in-battery-case-permanently-sealed))
Police said the argument ended with Jacobs throwing the woman to the ground as she tried to leave a garage, causing her to hit her head, and taking her phone. Prosecutors said surveillance footage from the garage supported her account.
Disputed video remains under legal challenge
The video has not been made public. The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department said this week that it would delay releasing records while Jacobs and the woman pursued further legal action.
Jacobs filed a lawsuit in Brown County Circuit Court seeking to prevent the release of the footage and other records. His complaint argues that publication could expose details of his home and compromise his security, while also supporting the woman’s efforts to protect her privacy. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-rb-josh-jacobs-sues-to-have-evidence-in-battery-case-permanently-sealed))
A judge had previously declined a request to keep the evidence permanently sealed, leaving the police department to decide which records could be released with redactions. The department said the release was being held temporarily to allow objections and possible court proceedings. ([wbay.com](https://www.wbay.com/2026/10/13/hobart-lawrence-police-delay-releasing-josh-jacobs-video-pending-more-court-action/))
The NFL’s personal-conduct investigation is separate from the criminal case and remains open. The league has not said when that review will conclude or whether Jacobs will face further discipline.
Jacobs joined Green Bay as a free agent in 2024 and rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns during his first season with the Packers. He followed that with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. ([nfl.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-places-packers-rb-josh-jacobs-commissioner-exempt-list))
