Josh Jacobs
Running Back #8
Josh Jacobs News
Josh Jacobs' Extended Absence Creates a Difficult Cut Decision
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains worth holding in most 12-team fantasy leagues, even after spending the first five games of 2026 on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that the team had received no update on his status, and another complication emerged Tuesday when police delayed releasing evidence related to his case pending potential court proceedings. There is still no timetable for Jacobs to return, making his roster spot increasingly difficult to justify for fantasy managers dealing with injuries and bye weeks. The 28-year-old rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season, adding 36 receptions for 282 yards and another score. Green Bay has struggled to establish a reliable replacement, although MarShawn Lloyd scored twice against Chicago in Week 5 while sharing backfield duties with Pierre Strong Jr. and Kaleb Johnson. Chris Brooks (ankle) is also on injured reserve. Jacobs could regain a substantial workload if cleared to return, but there is no guarantee that happens soon. Managers with sufficient bench depth should continue holding him, while those in shallow leagues who need an immediate contributor can justify cutting him for a dependable replacement.
Oct 14, 2026 11:04 AM EST
Authorities to Delay Release of Josh Jacobs Video
The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department announced on Tuesday that they are delaying the release of video evidence in Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacob's case, according to WBAY. Jacobs was accused of assaulting his girlfriend during a fight back in May. A Brown County Court judge lifted an order in September that temporarily kept evidence in the Jacobs case from public view. The decision came after Jacobs' ex-girlfriend filed a request to permanently seal evidence related to the criminal case against Jacobs. The 28-year-old pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges, and the NFL placed him on the commissioner's exempt list, where he remains. The NFL has been trying to obtain video from the May 23 altercation between Jacobs and his girlfriend, which it would use to continue its investigation. Jacobs remains on the commissioner's exempt list until further notice, with MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson splitting the workload in Green Bay's backfield in the meantime. The good news for fantasy managers who have been holding Jacobs is that his time spent on the exempt list (five weeks so far) may count as time served if the NFL eventually issues a suspension.
Oct 13, 2026 4:16 PM EST
Josh Jacobs' Stash Value Continues to Fall as Absence Continues
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains on the commissioner's exempt list after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property in a case stemming from a May domestic-violence incident, and although his time on the exempt list could equal time served in any potential suspension from the NFL, the 28-year-old's stash value in fantasy football leagues continues to fall with each passing day he is not with the team. Green Bay's running game has struggled mightily in Jacobs' absence through the first four weeks of the 2026 season, as they rank dead last in the NFL with just 58.0 rushing yards per game. They have gone with a committee approach involving MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks (ankle), but nobody has really stood out so far. Jacobs, who has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his seven years in the league, cannot be outright dropped in most fantasy leagues, but managers are surely losing patience as he wastes a bench spot. Right now, he is rostered in 74% of Yahoo leagues, and he is fully expected to return to lead-back duties in Green Bay whenever he is allowed to rejoin the team.
Oct 7, 2026 8:36 AM EST
NFL Requests to View Video Footage of Josh Jacobs Incident
The NFL has officially requested to view video of the domestic incident that resulted in Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs being arrested and charged with two misdemeanors last offseason, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Earlier this month, Jacobs pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of battery and one misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property. The court didn't issue any jail time for the Packers' running back, but this past week, a judge denied a request to permanently seal case records. That decision opened the door for the Packers to review the surveillance footage and potentially issue a very hefty punishment. This is a major step in the NFL's investigation, as being denied access to the footage would have made it difficult for the NFL to take action. Now, they'll presumably have a clear path to thoroughly complete their own investigation and determine if Jacobs will be suspended. In the meantime, he'll remain on the commissioner's exempt list, leaving MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks atop the running back depth chart in Green Bay. The NFL's history of punishing players for domestic violence incidents has been somewhat inconsistent, but fantasy managers should brace for the possibility of a lengthy suspension that sidelines Jacobs for several months.
Sep 27, 2026 5:52 AM EST
Judge Denies Request to Seal Records in Josh Jacobs Case
The Wisconsin judge presiding over Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs' criminal case has denied the victim's request to permanently seal records, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Judge Marc Hammer has instead turned the matter back over to the Hobart/Lawrence police department, which will now determine whether it is considered fair to release those records. Both Jacobs and the victim will still have an opportunity "to appear" if a decision is made to release the records. Jacobs remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List, and with the NFL attempting to obtain key video evidence from the case, Thursday's ruling could make that a possibility. The Packers face the Falcons on Thursday night, with the backfield expected to be split again among MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson, who has emerged as potentially the most viable option from a fantasy perspective.
Sep 24, 2026 9:12 AM EST
Judge Denies Request to Seal Evidence in Josh Jacobs Case
A Wisconsin judge has rejected a proposed order to permanently seal evidence in the case against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, according to Michael Gross and Fox 11 News. Jacobs was convicted last week on two misdemeanor charges stemming from an incident in May, and his ex-girlfriend petitioned the court to seal evidence in the case, including home security footage. Although the motion was denied, Judge Marc Hammer will continue to review the issue. Jacobs is currently on the Commissioner's Exempt List, and the NFL is attempting to obtain video from the investigation. In his absence, the Packers split work close to evenly between Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd in a Week 1 loss to the Vikings.
Sep 17, 2026 9:50 AM EST
Attorneys File Motion to Seal Evidence in Josh Jacobs' Criminal Case
Attorneys for Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs' ex-girlfriend on Tuesday filed a motion to seal evidence and discovery materials in the criminal case involving Jacobs, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Jacobs' ex-girlfriend wishes to protect her privacy in light of Jacobs taking responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceeding. The NFL is attempting to obtain the alleged video from the incident that led to Jacobs being charged with battery and criminal damage to property, and they want to interview Jacobs before they potentially hand down a suspension. The 28-year-old is currently on the commissioner's exempt list and missed the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings. If the NFL suspends Jacobs, it likely will not be for longer than four to six games, including the game he already missed. In Sunday's loss to Minnesota, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks were the Packers' primary RBs, but they could involve Kaleb Johnson eventually as well. While Jacobs' legal situation plays out, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues as Green Bay's clear lead back when he returns.
Sep 15, 2026 10:48 AM EST
Josh Jacobs Not Facing More Than Six-Game Suspension?
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (personal) remains on the commissioner's exempt list, but the NFL could count time spent there as time served for any potential suspension, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Some league sources expect this to be the case in the end. In the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, there is a six-game minimum for any type of domestic violence, such as Jacobs' situation. Schefter writes that it could be more or less, depending on mitigating factors. The 28-year-old veteran needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues, but fantasy managers may need to be patient before being able to use him in starting fantasy lineups in 2026. Jacobs is the Packers' unquestioned lead back when healthy and with the team, but to begin the new season, MarShawn Lloyd is expected to get the first crack at RB1 duties for the Packers on Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks also figure to be involved with change-of-pace roles as Green Bay navigates life without Jacobs for potentially the first four to six weeks of the season.
Sep 13, 2026 7:17 AM EST
NFL Attempting To Obtain Video of Josh Jacobs' Incident
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the NFL is trying to legally obtain video of the Josh Jacobs incident. The Green Bay Packers running back is currently on the Commissioner's Exempt List and was in court this weekend. The NFL is looking to get video to help in their ongoing investigation of the Jacobs' incident and would like to see the video before they make a decision on suspending Jacobs. The Green Bay star running back will sit out during the investigation and MarShawn Lloyd takes over as the main running back for the Packers along with Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks. The Packers likely want to get this situation figured out and know if they will have Jacobs at all at their disposal this season. It's an unfortunate legal situation that has affected Jacobs status on the field.
Sep 13, 2026 7:09 AM EST
Judge Seals Video Altercation in Josh Jacobs Case
According to ProFootballTalk, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has requested that the judge seal the video of the altercation in his case. This situation makes it tricky for the NFL going forward. They could tell Jacobs he can't play until the video is released to the public. Otherwise, the league risks another Ray Rice situation, where the media somehow releases the video while they continue to let Jacobs play. For now, Jacobs is on paid leave, and he'll remain there until the NFL determines the correct discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy. It will be difficult for the league to decide on a punishment when Jacobs is having the judge seal the evidence.
Sep 12, 2026 5:30 PM EST
Josh Jacobs Remains on Commissioner's Exempt List
The NFL issued a statement on Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs on Thursday after he pleaded no contest in court to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property, according to Mark Maske of Front Office Sports. "We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy. There is no change to his status as he remains on the Commissioner's Exempt list." The NFL will continue to investigate Jacobs, but until his legal process plays out, we might not have a clear picture of how much time he will miss. For now, the 28-year-old will stay on the exempt list and will not be eligible to play in Week 1 this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. He should remain stashed in all fantasy football leagues in the meantime, with MarShawn Lloyd the favorite for RB1 duties in Green Bay for as long as he remains out. Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks should also work in change-of-pace roles, but Lloyd should have the most fantasy upside as an explosive runner out of the backfield. He is currently rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues and should be started in all leagues in the season opener against Minnesota.
Sep 10, 2026 10:14 AM EST
Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Charges
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest on Thursday to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Brown County District Attorney David Lasee will not seek jail time for Jacobs, who was arrested in May in a domestic incident. However, Lasee will pursue a conviction on the battery count and will accept a deferred agreement on the criminal damage to property if Jacobs meets five conditions related to his no-contest plea. The Packers placed the 28-year-old RB on the commissioner's exempt list, where he is expected to remain until the legal process plays out. It is unclear if the NFL will then hand down a separate suspension for Jacobs, but he at least will be sidelined for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs' off-the-field legal issues have obviously damaged his fantasy football value quite a bit for the start of the season, but he should remain stashed in all leagues while the legal process plays out. Without Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd is expected to get the first crack at backfield duties in Green Bay, but both Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks could also be involved.
Sep 10, 2026 8:30 AM EST
Packers in Wait-and-See Approach With Josh Jacobs
When asked if he hopes that Thursday's initial court appearances in running back Josh Jacobs' case will provide more clarity about his future, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said, "The more clarity, the better, but it's just wait and see." Jacobs is not expected to appear in court on Thursday, but his lawyers will, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Fantasy managers and the Packers are hoping that we will get some clarity on Thursday in terms of a potential suspension for Jacobs, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list. The 28-year-old running back will not be available for the team's Week 1 season opener this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, and it is unclear how much longer he will be out. The uncertainty about Jacobs' status caused his draft stock to plummet, with MarShawn Lloyd now the favorite for lead-back duties in Green Bay in the short term. Jacobs is still rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues and will be the Packers' top RB when he returns, but in the meantime, he must remain on benches everywhere.
Sep 9, 2026 9:35 AM EST
Josh Jacobs' Initial Court Appearance Moved Up
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has had his initial court appearance moved up from November 17 to September 10, according to online court records. Jacobs was charged in late August on two misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage stemming from his May 26 arrest, and he was placed on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List shortly thereafter. The eighth-year veteran is not permitted to practice or attend games while on the list, and while there is no timeline for the league to make a final determination on any further suspension, the accelerated legal process could help to bring about clarity sooner rather than later. After being drafted in the high-end RB2 range for much of the summer, Jacobs has fallen below RB25 in more recent drafts, with MarShawn Lloyd climbing rapidly.
Sep 4, 2026 9:14 AM EST
Josh Jacobs Is Too Risky for Anything More Than a Late-Round Pick
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list on Sunday and has no timetable for return. Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property stemming from the offseason. A video also provides evidence against Jacobs in this trial, and if it is released, it could lead the team to cut ties with him. While there is a possibility that he returns in 2026, fantasy managers should not spend more than a late-round pick on Jacobs. MarShawn Lloyd will have a chance to take the job early in the season, and the team has continued to praise the young back. A committee once Jacobs returns is very possible, so the reward may not be as big as some fantasy managers expect. Jacobs' range of outcomes is from being a contributor in the fantasy playoffs to not playing a snap in 2026 or beyond. Make sure that you know exactly what is going on with Jacobs' situation before spending draft capital on the veteran running back.
Sep 4, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Packers Expect Josh Jacobs to Play This Season
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is still expected to play this season despite his uncertain status. General manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters Tuesday that he is hopeful Jacobs will return and expects him to play for Green Bay at some point, according to Matt Schneidman. Gutekunst was also asked whether there is a scenario in which the Packers release Jacobs, but said the team wants to let the process play out before making that kind of decision. Jacobs remains on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List after being charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property stemming from a May incident. He cannot practice or play while on the list, and there is still no timetable for his return. Green Bay has since added Kaleb Johnson to a backfield that also includes MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Gutekunst's comments are encouraging for Jacobs' season-long outlook, but his availability remains completely up in the air.
Sep 1, 2026 7:17 AM EST
Josh Jacobs Placed on Commissioner's Exempt List
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jacobs was formally charged last week with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from his May arrest. He had originally been arrested and booked on five counts, including felony strangulation and suffocation, before prosecutors ultimately filed the two misdemeanors. Jacobs' legal team has said the allegations will be addressed in court. While on the exempt list, the 28-year-old cannot practice or attend games, and there is no set date for his return. The timing makes Green Bay's Sunday trade for former Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson even more notable. Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season, so there is a significant workload suddenly up for grabs. MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and Johnson all become names to watch while Jacobs is unavailable.
Aug 30, 2026 10:36 AM EST
Packers "Fully Anticipate" Josh Jacobs will Remain on Roster
One day after Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was formally charged with two misdemeanors stemming from an alleged incident that led to his arrest in May, head coach Matt LaFleur addressed his standing with the team. "Well, I fully anticipate him being a member of our team," LaFleur told the media on Friday. "You've got to let everything play out," he continued. "But I anticipate him being a member of our football team." Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property, and the NFL does not need to wait for the legal process to play out before deciding whether to suspend him, with a league spokesperson saying on Wednesday that his case "remains under review." When healthy and available, Jacobs is one of the biggest fantasy difference-makers at the position, but uncertainty around his situation has pushed him to RB16 by current ADP.
Aug 29, 2026 5:13 AM EST
Josh Jacobs to Appear in Court in November
Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Nov. 17 after he was charged on Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The charges have come more than three months after Jacobs was arrested following an alleged domestic-violence incident at his home near Green Bay. Jacobs is subject to a suspension by the NFL, which is conducting its own investigation. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that the organization is preparing for a potential suspension and is keeping the door open to potentially adding another RB before the start of the 2026 regular season to boost their backfield depth behind MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. The team also has Pierre Strong Jr. in their RB room. It's beginning to look more likely that Jacobs will face a suspension to begin the 2026 campaign, which makes him harder to get behind as an RB2 target in upcoming fantasy drafts, despite his status as Green Bay's RB1 and his nose for the end zone (28 rushing touchdowns the last two years and four double-digit rushing TD seasons in his seven NFL campaigns).
Aug 27, 2026 2:20 PM EST
Josh Jacobs Formally Charged With Two Misdemeanors
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has formally been charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from his May arrest, according to Ari Meirov. Jacobs was booked in May on five recommended charges, including felony strangulation and suffocation, but prosecutors did not file charges at the time while the investigation remained open. The new filing contains only the two misdemeanors. Jacobs has denied the allegations through his attorneys. Green Bay was already preparing for the possibility of an NFL suspension before Thursday's charging decision, with general manager Brian Gutekunst saying Wednesday the team had planned for that scenario. The NFL has not announced any discipline or roster move involving Jacobs. He rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season and remains atop a backfield that currently lists Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd behind him. Jacobs' fantasy availability now carries more uncertainty until the league decides whether to take action.
Aug 27, 2026 11:44 AM EST
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