Josh Jacobs remorseful after domestic abuse arrest and NFL exempt list return Packers running back Josh Jacobs apologized to teammates and reporters after returning from the commissioner's exempt list following a May domestic abuse arrest. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs spoke with reporters for the first time since returning to the team after being removed from the commissioner's exempt list last week. He apologized to his teammates and expressed remorse for his actions. Jacobs missed the first six weeks of the 2026 season following an offseason domestic abuse arrest in May, which landed him on the commissioner's exempt list on Aug. 30. Ahead of his potential season debut, Jacobs addressed the media. The Packers haven't said whether he will play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.I am excited to be back with the team, with the guys, he said during his media availability. I want to say thank you to the organization really for supporting me throughout this whole process and how everything played out. Jacobs said he could not get into specifics but made his feelings clear. Obviously I am remorseful, and sorry for putting this time in this situation, he said.Legal Proceedings And Plea Deal DetailsSometimes, when you go through life, situations occur, and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life honestly. With that being said, still a human being, man, still trying to learn, still trying to grow from the whole process. Actually learned a lot throughout this whole process, legally and just personally. The league continues to investigate Jacobs' situation despite him pleading no contest to both misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property.Jacobs being removed from the list doesn't hinder the investigation. As part of Jacobs' plea deal, he was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, attend counseling, pay restitution for property he destroyed and have no further contact with the victim. As long as he meets those conditions for one year, the property damage charge will be dismissed. Jacobs was arrested in Wisconsin following an incident that occurred three days prior.He allegedly grabbed his ex-girlfriend trying to leave his garage and threw her to the ground. Jacobs also filed a civil suit last week calling for an injunction and protective order surrounding evidence, specifically surveillance footage of the incident, which would restrict access to records of the case. Basically, Jacobs doesn't want the footage released to the public, as it was reported the video footage of the alleged battery would corroborate the victim's claims.Legal Battles Over Evidence And FootageHis ex-girlfriend has filed a motion to permanently seal evidence in the domestic violence case. Jacobs is trying to put the situation behind him, saying that he is just trying to be better moving forward. I know for some people this might be a stain on me and my character, he added. I feel like I don't have to really speak on my character.A lotta people that know me in this locker room, or that's been around me, I'll let them do that. For me, man, I'm just trying to come back in here, play ball, learn from this mistake and move forward. Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed support for Jacobs. I think a lot of times you get in a situation where you might not make the right decision, LaFleur said.I think people learn from their mistakes. I think he's extremely remorseful, and I do believe he is a good person. I've been around him quite a bit. I believe in second chances.Team Performance Without Jacobs On FieldLaFleur said he felt Jacobs was in a pretty good spot earlier this week in terms of playing against the Lions. With Jacobs sidelined, LaFleur has seen an abysmal run game from his depth chart, which includes MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kaleb Johnson, who Green Bay traded for with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers are averaging just 59.8 yards on the ground per game, though they are top five in passing yards with 269.3 per game.Quarterback Jordan Love has found his rhythm amid a recent three-game win streak for the 4-2 squad. The situation has also drawn media criticism. When New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a rally, media figures like Jemele Hill, Bomani Jones, and Dan Le Batard rushed to blast him on air. Yet, as Jacobs faced domestic abuse allegations and subsequent charges, those same critics offered deafening silence, according to OutKick.