Return of Josh Jacobs should help
Packers boost a rushing attack that has slumped all season
[October 20, 2026]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs’ arrival should help the Green
Bay Packers address their biggest weakness, but how much the
three-time Pro Bowl running back will contribute right away remains
uncertain.
Lloyd will return to practice Wednesday now that the NFL is removing
him from the commissioner’s exempt list. Coach Matt LaFleur isn’t
indicating how or if he plans to use Jacobs when the Packers visit
Detroit on Sunday.
“I think that’s going to be determined throughout the course of the
week,” LaFleur said Monday, a day after the Packers’ 23-13 victory
over the Dallas Cowboys. “See where he’s at, see how he’s feeling
and then we’ll make a decision.”
Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list Aug. 30, three
days after charges were filed against him stemming from a May
altercation with his then-girlfriend. Jacobs pleaded no contest last
month to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to
property.
His status on the commissioner’s exempt list prevented him from
playing or practicing, but he still could prepare himself in other
ways.
“He could go to meetings,” LaFleur said. “He could lift with our
strength coaches and condition with them. He couldn’t go to any of
the team activities – the practices and what not.”
The NFL announced last week it planned to remove Jacobs from the
commissioner’s exempt list, though it’s continuing to investigate
the case and still could hand him more punishment later.
Green Bay (4-2) has won three straight, but is averaging just 59.8
yards rushing per game – 16.2 fewer than anyone else. The Packers
also are last in the league in yards per carry (2.9).
MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. all have been
given chances to establish themselves. None have been productive.
Lloyd has rushed for a team-high 122 yards and two touchdowns on 48
carries. Johnson has run for 104 yards on 28 attempts. Strong has 16
rushes for 35 yards. Chris Brooks, who has 15 carries for 70 yards,
is on injured reserve with an ankle issue.
Jacobs ran for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns while gaining 4 yards per
carry last year. That followed a 2024 season in which he rushed for
1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl.
“I think he can provide a spark,” LaFleur said.
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Green Bay Packers' Marshawn Lloyd runs during the first half of an
NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Green Bay, Wis.,
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
What’s working
The Packers intercepted Dak Prescott twice and have forced multiple
turnovers in three straight games. They also have scored at least 10
points off takeaways in three straight games. ... Green Bay has a
touchdown drive of at least 90 yards on its opening possession in
each of its last two games. ... The Packers were 11 of 18 on
third-down conversions, including 9 of 10 in the first half.
What needs work
Green Bay was penalized 11 times Sunday night, including three
roughing the passer calls in the fourth quarter alone. The Packers
have averaged 9.5 penalties for 77.5 yards per game. Only the
Carolina Panthers have higher averages in penalties and penalty
yards.
Stock up
The secondary. Safety Evan Williams has two interceptions and a
fumble recovery in his last three games. Fellow safety Javon Bullard
had three passes defensed Sunday, while cornerback Brandon Cisse got
his first career interception. Cisse and cornerback Keisean Nixon
helped keep Dallas’ wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George
Pickens out of the end zone.
Stock down
One week after he got his first two career touchdown runs, Lloyd
gained just 10 yards on eight carries.
Injuries
LaFleur said Micah Parsons won't be returning to practice this week
as the All-Pro edge rusher continues his recovery from a torn
anterior cruciate ligament. Parsons hasn't played since injuring his
left knee on Dec. 14.
Key number
34 — The total number of points the Packers have allowed during
their three-game winning streak. The last time they gave up such a
low point total over a three-game stretch was in 2021.
Next steps
Green Bay’s next four opponents — Detroit, Carolina, New England and
Minnesota — have a combined record of 15-6. That stretch begins
Sunday at Detroit.
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