GM expects Jacobs to play for Packers in ’26

The NFL is “closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.” We expect Jacobs to receive a suspension, but the league can move at its own pace. Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd is expected to serve as the fill-in starter.

Jacobs’ trial was initially slated to take place on November 17th. That date was recently moved up to today, signaling that Jacobs wanted to wrap up his legal proceedings quickly. He has been on the Commissioner’s Exempt List since the end of training camp. Roger Goodell could have kept him on the list indefinitely, especially with the trial previously scheduled multiple months into the season. With the legal matter now settled, Jacobs will likely serve a minor suspension as a result of the charges. MarShawn Lloyd is expected to handle the bulk of the carries until he returns.

The NFL placed Jacobs on the Commissioner Exempt List on August 30th, which prevents him from practicing with the team and playing in NFL games. The NFL acts independently and can make its own decision as to whether Jacobs’ behavior warrants a suspension. That said, rulings or evidence presented in court could impact the league’s decision-making. This could be consequential. Stay tuned.

Jacobs was charged on two misdemeanors last week after initially being arrested in late May on five counts, including one felony. Jacobs will still be paid but will be unable to participate in practice while he remains on the exempt list, although players are typically allowed to participate in team meetings. There is no telling how long Jacobs will remain on the exempt list as only the Commissioner holds the authority to remove him. Jacobs’ initial appearance in court is not scheduled until November, coinciding with Week 11, leaving a wide range of outcomes for fantasy managers to begin the season. Reading the tea leaves paints a morbid picture for Jacobs’ availability to start the 2026 regular season in less than two short weeks. MarShawn Lloyd suddenly finds himself atop the backfield depth chart in Green Bay and is a priority waiver addition for leagues that have already drafted, and should be treated as an upside back in the middle rounds of drafts.

“I fully anticipate him being a member of our team,” LaFleur said. “You’ve got to let everything play out.” Jacobs was charged with two misdemeanors related to his May arrest earlier this week. An NFL spokesman said on Thursday that the matter remains under review. According to the criminal complaint, Jacobs grabbed a woman, threw her to the ground and she struck her head. His initial court appearance is scheduled for November 17, though the NFL doesn’t have to wait for the legal process to be completed before deciding on a potential suspension for Jacobs. While the Packers are standing behind Jacobs for now, that could always change, making Jacobs a risky RB2 investment in fantasy drafts.

Pelissero reminds us that Jacobs was “originally booked on five charges, including felony strangulation.” He now faces “reduced charges of misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property.” The NFL continues to monitor all developments in the matter, which remains under review. Jacobs could end up being suspended. His backups are RB MarShawn Lloyd, who has performed well all spring and summer, and RB Chris Brooks. Lloyd should be a priority in drafts at this time. According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, the police department’s full incident report indicates that the department is in possession of a video showing Jacobs striking a woman after throwing her to the ground.

“We’ve obviously been preparing for that in case that happens,” Gutekunst said when asked about Jacobs, who in May was arrested on domestic abuse charges. “But at the same time, I feel really good about the guys we have in that room.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in August that the league would likely suspend Jacobs, though the length of the suspension had yet to be determined. MarShawn Lloyd would likely function as Green Bay’s lead back if Jacobs — who’s dealing with a lingering groin issue — misses regular season games. The oft-injured Lloyd has stayed healthy this offseason and has reportedly run well in training camp and joint practices. In last week’s preseason game against Denver, Lloyd played on 5-of-7 snaps during the first drive with the team’s starters.

Lloyd played on 5-of-7 snaps during the first drive, giving way to RB Chris Brooks for third- and fourth-and-inches. Lloyd looks fast and powerful and can be treated as a high-end bench stash with potential standalone value. His touchdown occurred on a nifty catch-and-run play over the middle. Starting RB Josh Jacobs (groin) did not play.

Jacobs has been out since August 6 with a groin injury, but the 28-year-old running back will return to practice on Tuesday. With the possibility of a suspension still looming if the league finds that he violated the Personal Conduct policy, Jacobs is a risky RB2 going in the fourth round of fantasy drafts.

Jacobs has been sidelined since August 6th and still faces a possible suspension from the NFL if the league determines that he violated the Personal Conduct Policy. He is still the starting running back in what has been an efficient offense, but 28-year-old running backs have certainly enjoyed better circumstances in the lead-up to a new season. He makes for a risky RB2 candidate at the moment.