Image Source: Green Bay Packers – packers.com
Josh Jacobs is back with the Green Bay Packers after the team made a series of important roster moves ahead of gameday. Green Bay activated the veteran running back from exempt status on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, according to an announcement from General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
The move puts Jacobs back on the Packers’ active roster and gives Green Bay another significant option in its backfield. The official announcement did not provide additional details about his expected workload, but his return creates another storyline for the team heading into its next game.
Josh Jacobs Returns as Packers Make Critical Roster Moves
Jacobs was one of four notable transactions announced by the Packers. Along with activating the running back, Green Bay activated defensive tackle Jordon Riley from the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
- Josh Jacobs was activated from exempt status.
- Jordon Riley was activated from reserve/physically unable to perform.
- Wide receiver Coleman Owen was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.
- Edge rusher Arron Mosby was elevated from the practice squad for gameday.
For Green Bay, the combination of a returning offensive contributor, a defensive line addition and extra depth on special teams gives the roster a fresh look. Jacobs’ activation is the headline transaction, while Riley’s return could help strengthen the defensive front.
What Josh Jacobs’ Activation Means for Green Bay
Jacobs has been a central part of the Packers’ offensive identity since joining the team. His physical running style, experience and ability to handle demanding situations make him an important piece of Green Bay’s game plan.
However, activation from exempt status does not automatically reveal how many snaps Jacobs will play or how heavily he will be featured. Those details will become clearer when the Packers release their gameday information and the offense takes the field.
His return nevertheless gives the Packers additional flexibility. Green Bay can use Jacobs in traditional rushing situations, short-yardage opportunities and potentially as a receiving option out of the backfield. His presence may also influence how the team distributes work among its running backs.
Riley, Owen and Mosby Add Valuable Depth
Riley’s activation is another important development. The defensive tackle was moved off reserve/physically unable to perform, making him available to the team after his absence. His return gives Green Bay another body in the interior defensive rotation and could support the Packers’ efforts to maintain energy up front.
Owen also earned a promotion after spending time on the practice squad. The 5-foot-10, 181-pound wide receiver joined Green Bay’s practice squad on Sept. 30 and was elevated for the previous week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. In that contest, Owen returned one punt for 16 yards.
The Ohio University product originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts on May 9, 2025. He spent his rookie season on Indianapolis’ practice squad and appeared in two games, recording five kickoff returns for 141 yards, an average of 28.2 yards per return, along with one punt return for two yards.
Owen’s college career included 53 games at Ohio and Northern Arizona. He earned first-team All-MAC honors in 2024, second-team All-Big Sky recognition in 2022 and 2023, and honorable mention All-Big Sky honors in 2021.
Mosby, meanwhile, was elevated from the practice squad for gameday. The edge rusher’s promotion gives Green Bay additional depth and another option for defensive packages and special-teams responsibilities.
Packers Prepare for a High-Interest Gameday
The roster moves arrive at an important point in the Packers’ season. With Jacobs available again, Riley returning to the defensive line and three additional players receiving active-roster opportunities, Green Bay has adjusted its personnel in several areas.
Fans will be watching closely to see whether Jacobs immediately resumes a prominent role. They will also be interested in Riley’s defensive snaps and whether Owen can make an impact as a return specialist or offensive contributor.
The Packers’ announcement provides the official roster update, but the ultimate impact of these transactions will be determined on the field. For now, the return of Josh Jacobs gives Green Bay supporters a reason for optimism and adds intrigue to the team’s next matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Josh Jacobs activated?
The Green Bay Packers activated Josh Jacobs from exempt status on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. The announcement did not specify the reason for his exempt designation or his expected workload.
Was Josh Jacobs guaranteed to start?
No. Activation makes Jacobs available to the Packers, but the official announcement did not confirm whether he would start or how many snaps he would play.
Who else did the Packers activate?
Green Bay activated defensive tackle Jordon Riley from reserve/physically unable to perform, signed wide receiver Coleman Owen to the active roster and elevated edge rusher Arron Mosby for gameday.
What is Coleman Owen’s experience?
Owen previously spent time with the Indianapolis Colts and Packers practice squads. He has NFL return experience and recorded one punt return for 16 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.
