Josh Jacobs says a three-second decision changed his life forever, and for the Green Bay Packers, the consequences have stretched across six games and 359 miserable rushing yards.

The three-time Pro Bowl running back apologized as he returned to Green Bay after an extended absence due to an off-field legal matter. Jacobs was designated for return Tuesday and spoke about regret, personal growth, and returning to football without discussing the case's specifics.

Jacobs' return comes at a desperate time for an offense that has won four of its first six games despite having the NFL's least productive rushing attack. The Packers rank last in rushing yards, yards per game, and yards per carry.

"I'm excited to be back with the team, with the guys," Jacobs said. He then thanked the organization for standing behind him. "Obviously, man, I'm remorseful, and I'm sorry for putting this team in this situation."

He then described how quickly a moment can reshape everything that follows. "Sometimes when you go through life, situations occur, and a four-second, three-second decision can alter your life, honestly," Jacobs said.

Jacobs declined to discuss the circumstances in detail but shared lessons he learned while away from the team. "I'm still a human being, man. Still trying to learn, still trying to grow from the whole process," he explained.

Jacobs also acknowledged that some observers might judge him differently after his arrest and that his saga likely left a "stain on me and my character."

However, the Packers running back said he would prefer to let teammates and people who know him speak about who they believe he is. Green Bay has spent the first six weeks realizing how hard it is to replace his production.

Its backs have combined for just 359 rushing yards, averaging 59.8 per game, while the team has managed only three touchdowns on the ground.

Jacobs alone rushed for 414 yards and eight touchdowns in his first six games last season, outperforming the Packers' entire ground game in those categories.

The three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in rushing during 2022. "I'm just trying to come back in here and play ball, learn from this mistake and move forward," Jacobs continued.

MarShawn Lloyd leads Green Bay with 122 rushing yards on 48 attempts, while Kaleb Johnson has 104 on 28 carries. The Packers return to action against their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions, on Oct 25.