Sports
Josh Jacobs makes Packers debut after six-game absence, but Green Bay falls to Detroit
Jacobs recorded 91 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown catch in his season debut Sunday, a 20-17 loss to the Lions. His return came after a plea in a misdemeanor case stemming from a May altercation and while the NFL’s investigation remains open.
DETROIT — Josh Jacobs had 91 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in his first game of the season Sunday, but the Green Bay Packers lost 20-17 to the Detroit Lions on a last-second field goal.
Jacobs, who had missed the first six games, carried 11 times for 36 yards and caught five passes for 55 yards, including a touchdown. Coach Matt LaFleur praised his performance, saying Jacobs made a spectacular play on the score and helped spark the offense.
His return followed his September no-contest plea to misdemeanor battery and criminal-damage-to-property charges arising from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. She alleged that Jacobs threw her to the ground. The NFL is continuing its investigation and could impose additional discipline.
The league placed Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list Aug. 30, barring him from games and team practices. He returned to practice Wednesday and told reporters he was remorseful and sorry for putting the team in a difficult position. He declined to discuss details of the case.
Green Bay entered the game with the NFL’s lowest rushing totals and yards per carry. The Packers ran 19 times for 60 yards against Detroit and failed to score on three red-zone trips. Quarterback Jordan Love said the team needed to become more balanced and find its running game.
Jacobs, a three-time Pro Bowler, was drafted by the Raiders in 2019 and signed with Green Bay as a free agent in 2024. Through last season, he had rushed for 7,803 yards and 74 touchdowns in his NFL career.