NFL: Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
There was a huge development this past week when it comes to Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs.
On Monday, Jacobs was removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt List after spending the first six weeks on it due to legal issues.
That paved the way for the Packers running back to make his return to the field in Week 7, although he still had to be activated from exempt status on Saturday.
Here’s the latest on his status for Sunday.
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Is Josh Jacobs playing today?
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Jacobs was indeed activated to the 53-man roster from exempt status and, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he is expected to play on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
“Packers activated RB Josh Jacobs and he is expected to play Sunday at Detroit,” Schefter reported.
Because Jacobs is playing his first game since last season, there is an obvious concern that he may not see a full workload. Here’s what we know about that.
Will Josh Jacobs get full workload?
NFL: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the current expectation is Jacobs’ workload will depend on how he feels during the game.
“How Jacobs feels during the game will help dictate his workload; the Packers have another game four days later at home against the Panthers on Thursday night,” Pelissero stated.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said during the week that the Packers feel Jacobs is “in a pretty good spot” in terms of his readiness to play because “he’s been training.”
But LaFleur also stressed how Jacobs hasn’t had much “exposure to football,” which is a reminder that being in good shape doesn’t mean a player is in football shape.
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“I’ve been actually practicing with my helmet and shoulder pads, so it’s not like it’s overly different,” Jacobs said of his time away. “But just trying to get back to the flow of the guys, simple stuff like being in the huddle, listening to the play call and going out there and executing within that five-second, six-second span.”
We believe Jacobs probably won’t see a full workload in his first game back and will instead split snaps with MarShawn Lloyd.
Expect Jacobs to see around 10 touches as a result, with the potential for more based on game flow and script.
Josh Jacobs fantasy advice
NFL: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
If Jacobs’ workload is limited as we expect, that makes fantasy football owners dependent on a few big plays and/or a touchdown for the Packers running back to return strong fantasy production.
The Lions have been stingy against opposing backs this season, with Detroit ceding the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position in 2026, per CBS Sports.
The Lions are, however, giving up the 12th-most rushing touchdowns per game to running backs, so that’s something to keep in mind with Jacobs likely being touchdown-dependent.
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Starting a limited running back in fantasy football is a huge risk, but then again, we don’t know for sure if Jacobs is actually going to see a reduced workload.
And, even if he is, a potential shootout could create multiple scoring opportunities for Jacobs to pick up points without many touches.
We’re not officially going to suggest starting him, but there is enough justification to do so.
Verdict: Sit