Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs faced legal trouble this past offseason and was officially charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to Wisconsin court records on Thursday.
The NFL has now made its decision regarding the consequences the star running back will face for the situation.
Analysts React as NFL Makes Josh Jacobs Decision
The charges against Jacobs were announced three months after the arrest that took place over an alleged domestic violence incident near his home.
The league has decided to put Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List as a result of the offseason troubles.
Jacobs will now not be allowed to practice or play with the Packers as long as he is on the list; however, he will still be getting paid.
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“That’s essentially worst-case scenario for the Packers. Jacobs will still receive his salary, but can’t play,” Packers writer Wendell Ferreira said.
That’s essentially worst-case scenario for the Packers. Jacobs will still receive his salary, but can’t play. https://t.co/VBT3ILM5YZ
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) August 30, 2026
“Trade for Kaleb Johnson makes even more sense now,” NFL writer Jarrett Bailey reacted.
“This is massive for the Vikings, as they play the Packers in Week 1,” Vikings writer Tyler Forness highlighted.
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“No Parsons. No Jacobs. The Jets will catch Green Bay without two of its biggest stars in the Week 2 home opener. Can the Jets take advantage and make an early statement?” ESPN New York host Jake Asman pointed out.
“Big news in Green Bay. Packers traded for Kaleb Johnson today, and are crossing their fingers that MarShawn Lloyd can finally stay healthy.” NFL insider Albert Breer said.
Big news in Green Bay.
Packers traded for Kaleb Johnson today, and are crossing their fingers that MarShawn Lloyd can finally stay healthy. https://t.co/2o84zuF05O
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 30, 2026
“Players are placed on the exempt list for pending legal matters. If Josh Jacobs’ court date isn’t until November, does this mean there’s risk he misses half or the entire season?” NFL injury analyst Jeff Mueller questioned.
Players are placed on the exempt list for pending legal matters.
If Josh Jacobs’ court date isn’t until November, does this mean there’s risk he misses half or the entire season? https://t.co/rwJvPk67l0— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) August 30, 2026
When Jacobs was arrested in Wisconsin in May, he was levied with five different accusations stemming from domestic violence and spent roughly a day in police custody before getting released.
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If Jacobs is convicted, he will face a fine of up to $10,000, up to 9 months in prison, or both. The Packers are losing a big asset as their starting running back is expected to miss the beginning of the season.
Since joining the Packers, Jacobs has put together two impressive campaigns. First, he tallied 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. Last year, those numbers slightly regressed to 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, albeit in just 15 games.
As a result, he ranked at number 16 on PFN’s Running Back Impact Metric. But the offseason has painted him in a far more negative light.
It remains to be seen how long a suspension the NFL will hand out to Jacobs, as his absence could be hard for Green Bay to overcome.
