Josh Jacobs is expected to be removed from the NFL Commissioner's Exempt list on Monday. What does this mean for his realistic 2026 fantasy outlook?
First, no one knows how this will play out, even those with "inside" information. The legal process is the legal process. A judge will make a ruling. We are awaiting that ruling.
Second, the NFL is the NFL. Removing Jacobs from the Exempt list doesn't mean he can't be suspended later, either by the league or by the Packers.
We can evaluate him based on what happens when he returns to the field. Currently, none of his backups have demonstrated that they can earn a timeshare with Jacobs. Touchdowns aside, MarShawn Lloyd has had a brutal campaign: 2.8 yards per carry and two fumbles, losing one of them. At this stage, he's better suited as a change-of-pace back.
Kaleb Johnson has done better on the ground (3.9 yards per carry) . . . along with two fumbles, losing one of them. Since making his Packers debut in Week 2, he hasn't out-touched Lloyd. That's a telling sign that (so far) Johnson has not earned even a 1B role if Jacobs returns.
As for Chris Brooks, the good news is that he hasn't fumbled. The bad news is that he's on injured reserve and, even when healthy, served as the backfield's third wheel.
Jacobs' fantasy prowess historically has been based on volume, receptions, and a massive share of touchdowns. The first two should continue if he's back in the fold. Touchdowns are less guaranteed. Jacobs would be an immediate upgrade, but don't expect a return to top-12 form.
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This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Josh Jacobs and the rest of the Packers' RBs: likely fantasy scenarios