Packers may finally get clarity on Josh Jacobs' punishment

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs took a big step toward his return to the gridiron.

According to an ESPN report, the former Las Vegas Raiders star pleaded no contest to his misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.

"I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility," Jacobs said, per ESPN.

While that's not necessarily an admission of guilt, his legal punishment will likely be announced soon.

Josh Jacobs could be out for at least six games 

Jacobs' legal team managed to push his hearing date to before the start of the season. Now that he's gotten past this, the league can proceed with a suspension. 

Now that the legal situation may be resolved, the NFL can proceed to remove him from the commissioner's exempt list and impose its own penalty. If the league determines he violated the personal conduct policy, he would face a six-game suspension, based on its guidelines and previous cases.

As such, the Packers would have to roll with MarShawn Lloyd and their backups not only in the season opener vs. the Minnesota Vikings, but also in ensuing matchups with the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys.

If that's the case, Jacobs will be eligible to return for Week 7 vs. the Detroit Lions, one week after Micah Parsons' potential return date from his season-ending ACL injury.

The Packers have remained supportive of their star back throughout the process, and they'll now have to endure a steep challenge without two of their most important contributors.