Josh Jacobs has been a perennial RB1 for fantasy football managers for most of his career. However, the 28-year-old running back was a rare deep-cut stash option this year due to an off-the-field controversy. After nearly two months of waiting, that investment might be set to pay dividends. However, picking the moment to start him will be crucial.

Here’s a recap of Jacobs’ situation and what to expect in the coming days. Put simply, his status is far from written in Sharpie.

What Happened to Josh Jacobs?

Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list earlier this year and has not played a single game. The de facto suspension stemmed from allegations that resulted in him pleading no contest to two misdemeanor criminal charges, according to Packers media. Jacobs served six games on the exempt list and was never formally suspended.

Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property in connection with his then-girlfriend in August, according to NFL media. The alleged incident, which was allegedly caught on an unreleased video, took place in May 2026.

Is Josh Jacobs Playing This Week?

Jacobs’ status is questionable. While he is set to no longer be on the commissioner’s exempt list, the Packers still have Jacobs on a one-game exemption that expires Oct. 26, according to a Wednesday ESPN report. The Packers have not stated whether he will play this week.

Matt LaFleur said, “We’ll see. We’ll work through it,” according to Rob Demovsky in Wednesday’s update.

Should You Start Josh Jacobs This Week?

At this point, it is too early to throw Josh Jacobs into your lineup and call the question settled. As things stand, Jacobs might find a way to get on the field this week. However, even if he does see action, it will be important to know that he will not be in peak football shape.

As such, Matt LaFleur could keep him on a limited snap count in an effort to ease him into the rotation. For now, managers need to keep him on their bench. However, they also need to be ready to consider him as a flex option at a moment’s notice this weekend. The matchup against Detroit, a defense that has allowed the most passing yards per game in the NFL, works against Jacobs’ usage as well.

If you are in a desperate situation and in need of a running back on Sunday, Jacobs would have a higher floor and ceiling than most deep waiver wire options. However, he is unlikely to save one’s fantasy football team this week. It will be a fresh conversation in Week 8.