The Green Bay Packers will enter the season, considered by many a serious playoff threat in the NFC. With quarterback Jordan Love and Micah Parsons leading the defense, many think that Green Bay could make a serious run, even in a loaded conference. Head coach Matt LaFleur will be making the decisions. With divisional rivals Chicago and Detroit looking to surge ahead of the Packers, the team needs not only to get out to a fast start but also to stay consistent.
Running back Josh Jacobs was counted on to give the offense not only balance but elite production from the backfield. This offseason, Jacobs found himself in a legal situation that the NFL could possibly address. General manager Brian Gutekunst knows this. Social media does so, as they attempted to assess management’s view on various scenarios.
Social Media Responds as Packers GM Prepares for Josh Jacobs Resolution
In May, Jacobs, the Packers’ leading rusher, was arrested on suspicion of several charges, stemming from an alleged domestic incident. While law enforcement continues to investigate, few updates have surfaced. However, Gutekunst appears to be preparing for a suspension.
The NFL world on social media had mixed reactions to Gutekunst’s comments, with some believing it was bad news for the Packers, while others were optimistic about another player’s chances of making an impact.
“Packers are prepping for a scenario where Josh Jacobs is suspended and could make more RB moves if it happens but. This is your sign on MarShawn Lloyd – hopefully the bags have been packed,” stated football analyst Zain Dhanani.
Packers are prepping for a scenario where Josh Jacobs is suspended and could make more RB moves if it happens but..
This is your sign on MarShawn Lloyd – hopefully the bags have been packed https://t.co/5238nWBGa6
— Zain Dhanani (@DhananiZain) August 26, 2026
Lloyd, who has played just one game in the NFL since getting drafted in 2024, recorded 18 yards from scrimmage on seven touches.
While some fans are still in Jacobs’ corner, despite a lack of information, they show confidence in Lloyd’s ability.
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“Well that’s not good, still think it’s dumb that he’d get suspended but that’s neither here nor there,” Matthew S. wrote on X. “However, I really like the way Marshawn Lloyd has looked, and I feel confident in his ability. And I also have confidence in Brooks in the pass game as well.”
Well that’s not good, still think it’s dumb that he’d get suspended but that’s neither here nor there
However I really like the way Marshawn Lloyd has looked and I feel confident in his ability
And I also have confidence in Brooks in the pass game as well https://t.co/Vj9SCjk4uy
— Matthew S. (@MatthewMKE98) August 26, 2026
Chris Brooks, who’s caught 24 passes during his career, gives the team a trusted third-down back. Meanwhile, division rivals are somewhat rejoicing in the potential of Jacobs and another standout missing the first game of the season.
“Noteworthy for the Vikings as they play the Packers Week 1,” The Purple Persuasion wrote on X. “They won’t have star pass rusher Micah Parsons and now are preparing for RB Josh Jacobs to be suspended.”
Noteworthy for the Vikings as they play the Packers week 1.
They won’t have star pass rusher Micah Parsons and now are preparing for RB Josh Jacobs to be suspended. https://t.co/aAeJbc8fSz
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 26, 2026
Parson suffered an ACL tear late in the regular season and may not be ready in time for the first game. Yet, at least for a segment of football fans, all the news concerning Jacobs isn’t negative.
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“I don’t believe in preseason victory laps. Way too early to say something like: ‘MarShawn Lloyd was clearly the best pick on the board and readily available at pick 200 for months after the Jacobs news broke,’” Sam Sherman wrote on X.
I don’t believe in preseason victory laps. Way too early to say something like:
“MarShawn Lloyd was clearly the best pick on the board and readily available at pick 200 for months after the Jacobs news broke” https://t.co/ItyVswIyak pic.twitter.com/iAk0oOCvSo
— Sam Sherman (@Sherman_FFB) August 26, 2026
From a fantasy football perspective, Lloyd looks like a value pick who will benefit from a stellar passing game, possibly with fewer defenders in the box.
“Wouldn’t say the provocative headline ‘Packers preparing for Josh Jacobs to be suspended’ tells the entire story here. Could it happen? Sure. But sounds like GM was literally just asked directly about it and gave a pretty whatever answer?'” Ian Hartitz said.
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Hartitz indicates that it appears less certain that the league will suspend Jacobs, but more positive that Packers management wants to prepare just in case. Despite any ominous signs, people remain positive about the outcome.
Adam Scherer was not that optimistic about Lloyd’s ability to become the featured back in Jacobs’ potential absence, as he wrote, “A Josh Jacobs suspension is actually bad for Marshawn Lloyd bc it means he has to play which means Chris Brooks will be the only active RB by week 2.”
A Josh Jacobs suspension is actually bad for Marshawn Lloyd bc it means he has to play which means Chris Brooks will be the only active RB by week 2
— Adam Scherer (@ShipMyMoneyDFS) August 26, 2026
Jacobs played 15 games last season, rushing for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns while recording 36 receptions for 282 yards and another touchdown.
According to PFN’s RB Impact Metric, Jacobs posted an impact score of 76.5, ranking 16th in the league.
While the legal proceedings are ongoing, Jacobs’ availability remains unclear. Yet, the Packers look to prepare for anything. With so much firepower on both sides of the ball, the extent to which they miss Jacobs remains unknown.
