News · Analysis · Community · Forever SkolThe Green Bay Packers are getting their starting running back back, and the timing lines up with their next meeting against the Minnesota Vikings. ESPN reported that Josh Jacobs is being removed from the NFL's Commissioner Exempt list on Monday, clearing him to practice next week and potentially play as soon as Green Bay's October 25 game against the Lions, according to the report.
The NFL's investigation into Jacobs remains open, meaning the league has reserved the right to add further discipline if new information emerges. Jacobs has sat out the first six games of the season while the matter was under review.
Minnesota currently sits atop the NFC North at 5-0, holding a two-game lead over Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago, who are all 3-2. The Vikings beat the Packers 39-22 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1, a game in which neither Jacobs nor Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons played. The two teams meet again in Week 10 at Lambeau Field on November 15.
In Jacobs' absence, MarShawn Lloyd has managed just 112 rushing yards through five games, production that has leaned heavily on touchdowns rather than consistent yardage, per the report. If Jacobs returns to practice as expected, he would have several weeks to work back into Green Bay's offense before facing Minnesota.
Parsons' timeline is less defined. He is still recovering from the ACL and meniscus injury that ended his 2025 season and has not yet practiced or played. The report notes that people around the Packers organization have pointed toward a possible November return, which could place him on the field for the Vikings matchup or close to it, though that detail falls short of confirmed team guidance. Unlike Jacobs, whose path back involves regaining chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love and relearning protections, Parsons' return would likely involve a gradual increase in practice reps before full defensive involvement.
Minnesota has not yet faced a Packers team with both players healthy and active. Whether Green Bay has that version of its roster ready by November 15 depends on how both recoveries progress over the next month. The Vikings, meanwhile, enter their bye week looking to stay healthy as they aim to maintain their divisional lead through the second half of the season.
Reporting from PurplePTSD.