Packers Reveal New Hiccup in Getting Josh Jacobs Back to Play Again

Last week, the NFL took Josh Jacobs off the commissioner exempt list, clearing the running back to play in Week 7 when the Green Bay Packers travel to play the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

With Micah Parsons not set to return to practice this week as he recovers from the ACL injury he suffered last season, it would be ideal for the Packers to get back at least one of their star players before playing an NFC North rival.

However, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had sobering remarks about where Jacobs stands this week. LaFleur told reporters on Monday that Jacobs' status for Sunday was to be "determined" later this week. The running back's availability will be based on how he practices this week. 

LaFleur said Jacobs is in a good spot. He's been training while on the commissioner exempt list, but he has been unable to practice, which has put him behind where his teammates are at this week. 

Even though Jacobs has not been able to practice, he has attended meetings and did some conditioning workouts.

LaFleur quipped that Jacobs won't hurt the Packers’ running game, which has been anemic up to this point due to a mix of offensive line issues and not having their star running back.

The Packers have to feel good about where they're at in Week 7 after not having Parsons and Jacobs available. Green Bay defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-13 on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 6 to improve to 4-2 on the season.

Jacobs won't immediately fix all of the issues with the offensive line, but certainly LaFleur will be able to dial up ways to get No. 8 the football. Once the football is in his hands, Jacobs should be able to make some plays happen.

One would assume that even if Jacobs does return to face the Lions, he'll likely be on a pitch count for his first game of the season. Still, he should provide a boost if/when he does get on the field.

At the very least, the Lions defense, which has had its own share of notable problems through the early season, will have to take into account Jacobs being on the field. That should open up plays in the passing game for Jordan Love, who had a fantastic night against the Cowboys.

In a few weeks, the Packers should become more dangerous with Jacobs and Parsons on the field.