Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is not playing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, leaving Green Bay without its veteran starting running back for Thursday Night Football.
The Packers and Falcons are playing Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Lambeau Field, but Jacobs remains unavailable because he is on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Why Is Josh Jacobs Not Playing vs. Falcons?
Jacobs’ absence is not due to an injury.
The NFL placed Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on August 30 while the league reviewed his legal situation stemming from a May incident involving misdemeanor battery and criminal-damage charges.
Players placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List are temporarily prohibited from participating in games and practices while their status is reviewed by the league.
That means Jacobs cannot suit up for the Packers even though he has not officially been suspended by the NFL.
What Happened With Josh Jacobs’ Legal Case?
Jacobs pleaded no contest to charges related to the incident and was found guilty of misdemeanor battery. He received a $1,000 fine plus costs, while the criminal-damage charge was addressed through a deferred judgment agreement.
However, resolution of the criminal case does not automatically clear Jacobs to return to the Packers.
The NFL conducts its own investigation under the league’s personal conduct policies and can impose discipline independently of the outcome of a criminal case.
Is Josh Jacobs Suspended?
As of Week 3, Jacobs has not officially received an NFL suspension.
Instead, he remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List while the league completes its review.
There has been reporting that Jacobs could eventually receive a suspension in the range of four to six games, although the NFL has not announced a final punishment.
One important question will be whether the league gives Jacobs credit for games already missed while on the exempt list if a suspension is eventually imposed.
Who Is Replacing Josh Jacobs for the Packers?
With Jacobs unavailable against Atlanta, Green Bay is relying primarily on MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson in the backfield.
Chris Brooks also provides the Packers with another running back option.
Lloyd and Johnson have already received carries against the Falcons, confirming that Green Bay is using a committee approach without Jacobs available.
When Will Josh Jacobs Return?
There is currently no confirmed return date for Josh Jacobs.
His availability depends on when the NFL completes its review and determines whether Jacobs can be removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt List or whether additional discipline will be imposed.
Until the league makes that decision, Green Bay will have to continue preparing to play without its starting running back.
Josh Jacobs Week 3 Status
Josh Jacobs is not playing for the Packers against the Falcons because he remains on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List.
His absence is not injury-related, and he has not yet been formally suspended. The NFL continues to review his situation before determining when he can return and whether additional discipline is necessary.
For now, MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks will be responsible for carrying Green Bay’s backfield while Jacobs remains unavailable.
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Meta Description: Why isn’t Josh Jacobs playing today for the Packers vs. Falcons? Here’s why the Green Bay RB is out for Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season and when he could return.
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