The NFL has placed Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, sidelining him for the start of the 2026 season due to legal troubles stemming from a domestic incident.
Why it matters: Jacobs' placement on the exempt list means he cannot practice or play in games, impacting the Packers' offensive strategy as they prepare for the regular season.
The Commissioner’s Exempt List is utilized for players facing serious allegations, allowing the league to review the situation without making a final determination.
Jacobs, a three-time Pro Bowler, is entering his third season with the Packers and was expected to be a key player this year.
The Packers have acquired additional running backs to fill the gap left by Jacobs, whose absence could significantly affect their performance.
Driving the news: Jacobs was charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property following an incident in May, where he allegedly physically confronted his girlfriend. The formal charges were announced on August 27 by Brown County (Wisconsin) District Attorney David Lasee.
Jacobs initially faced five criminal charges, including felony strangulation, but these were later reduced to two misdemeanors.
He is due to make his initial court appearance on November 17, and if convicted, he could face fines up to $20,000 or up to 18 months in prison.
Jacobs' legal issues have raised concerns about his future with the team and the potential for a suspension if the investigation leads to additional disciplinary action.
State of play: Jacobs' lawyers emphasized that the exempt list is an administrative procedure and not a final determination of guilt. They expressed confidence in Jacobs’ eventual return to the team.
“Josh respects the NFL process, the Packers, and his coaches and teammates. He looks forward to his return to the team and the NFL,” the statement from Jacobs' attorneys read.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur stated he fully anticipates Jacobs remaining with the team, indicating support during this challenging time.
In Jacobs' absence, the Packers are likely to rely more heavily on running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson, who was recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The big picture: Jacobs has been a standout player since being drafted 24th by the Oakland Raiders in 2019. He led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022 and has accumulated 7,803 career rushing yards and 74 rushing touchdowns.
Last season, he rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Packers, solidifying his role as a key offensive player.
Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers in March 2024, but there is no guaranteed money remaining in his deal.
As the Packers prepare for their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 13, Jacobs' absence poses a strategic challenge for the team.
What they're saying: LaFleur addressed the media after the Packers' final preseason game, reiterating his expectation that Jacobs would remain part of the team.
“I can’t really comment on that because I don’t know,” LaFleur said when asked about Jacobs' availability for the upcoming season.
Jacobs' situation has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with many expressing concern over the implications of his legal troubles on his career.
Some commentators have suggested that the Packers may need to adjust their offensive game plan significantly if Jacobs remains sidelined.
By the numbers: Jacobs' statistics highlight his importance to the Packers and the league.
He recorded 1,211 total yards from scrimmage last season, ranking him among the top running backs in the NFL.
Jacobs has averaged 4.0 yards per carry over his career, demonstrating consistent performance on the field.
Since 2019, Jacobs ranks second in rushing yards in the league, only behind Derrick Henry.
What's next: The Packers are preparing for the possibility of Jacobs missing the early part of the season.
MarShawn Lloyd is currently listed as Jacobs' primary backup, having only played in three games due to various injuries.
The Packers are also integrating Kaleb Johnson into their running back rotation after acquiring him from the Steelers.
As the legal process continues, the team will monitor Jacobs' situation closely, ready to adapt their roster and game strategies as necessary.