Josh Jacobs scores touchdown in first game back since domestic abuse arrest

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs scored a touchdown in his 2026 season debut on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, marking his return to play after missing the first six games of the season. He was reinstated to the active roster on Saturday, having been removed from the NFL's exempt list earlier in the week.

Jacobs' return comes amid an ongoing NFL investigation into allegations of domestic abuse. He had previously pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from a May altercation with his then-girlfriend. He was formally charged in August.

According to police reports, Jacobs was accused of grabbing the woman and throwing her to the floor, causing her to hit her head. Surveillance footage from his garage reportedly corroborated the woman's account of the incident and the destruction of her phone.

Jacobs was ordered last month to attend counseling and pay restitution. The six games he missed this season may count toward any suspension he ultimately faces from the league.

"I thought I'd be playing sooner," Jacobs told reporters this week. "But, you know, the optics of everything, I understand the other side. For me, like I said, I'm just grateful to be able to play. It was one of them things where I didn't want to sit the whole year and then figure it out. I'm just grateful to be back on the team and to be back playing."

He also expressed regret for any distraction his situation caused the team. "Obviously, man, I'm remorseful and sorry for putting this team in this situation," he said. "Sometimes when you go through life, situations occur and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life, honestly."

Jacobs' attorneys stated in a release to the Daily Mail that "Josh has dedicated the last several months to bettering himself, and he accepts responsibility for his actions. He is excited to get back to work and on the field with his teammates."

Meanwhile, Jacobs has filed a lawsuit against a Wisconsin police department, seeking to keep records and evidence from his battery case sealed. A judge had previously canceled an order sealing evidence at the victim's request, and the decision on whether to release it now rests with the Hobart-Lawrence police department, which has not made it public. Attorneys for the victim have also filed a motion to seal the records.

Jacobs' legal team cited the victim's motion in their lawsuit, arguing that the sensitive records should not be publicly released. The NFL is also seeking access to this evidence for its own investigation.

In his lawsuit, Jacobs' attorney also referenced recent robberies at athletes' homes, suggesting that public access to evidence could increase the risk of his property being targeted for theft or burglary by revealing details about his residence and security arrangements.

The Packers held a 4-2 record without Jacobs through the first six games, during which their rushing game ranked last in the NFL. In his first game back, Jacobs caught a pass from quarterback Jordan Love near the 25-yard line and ran down the sideline, absorbing tackles from two Lions defenders before reaching the end zone to give the Packers a 14-10 lead.