According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the NFL will remove Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs from the commissioner exempt list on Monday.
It means Jacobs will be eligible to practice next week and play in the Packers' Week 7 game against the Detroit Lions.
There's still some uncertainty about Jacobs' status for the remainder of the season. He will have missed six games by the time he is removed from the commissioner exempt list, but it's unclear whether he will receive a suspension. Let's break down what it means.
Josh Jacobs is eligible to play in Week 7 vs. Lions, but a suspension is still possible
The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner exempt list on August 30. Since then, he has been unable to practice or participate in the Packers' opening six contests. His removal from the list next week means he could return to action against the Lions on October 25.
However, as Demovsky reports, the NFL's investigation remains "ongoing."
According to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, "additional discipline is possible depending on the findings" of the investigation.
If Jacobs faces a suspension, it's possible the six games he spent on the commissioner exempt list could serve as the punishment. However, if the NFL hands Jacobs a lengthier suspension, he could miss additional games.
There's still a lot of uncertainty, although, for now, it appears Jacobs will be eligible to play from Week 7.
What Josh Jacobs' return would mean for Packers' offense
The Packers' run game has struggled without Jacobs. Green Bay is averaging a league-low 60.4 rushing yards per contest, which is a long way behind the 31st-ranked Houston Texans, who average 79.0 yards per game.
Green Bay's woeful 3.1 yards per carry ranks 31st. Only the Las Vegas Raiders have averaged fewer yards per attempt (3.0).
Part of the blame undoubtedly falls on the running backs.
MarShawn Lloyd has failed to meet expectations. He has looked hesitant and has lacked vision, averaging just 2.8 yards per attempt. The positive is that Lloyd is coming off a two-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears.
Kaleb Johnson has looked the most explosive of the two running backs, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, but he has also fumbled twice.
Jacobs is by far the Packers' best running back. He masked many of the offensive line issues last season by breaking 16 tackles. Jacobs rarely goes down on first contact, helping do enough to keep the offense ahead of the sticks. He also has the vision and explosiveness to make the most of rushing lanes when they are available.
From a football perspective, his return undeniably boosts the Packers' offense. But with the NFL's investigation still ongoing, it's unclear if Jacobs will miss more games later this season.
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