Fowler: Jacobs could face 4-6 game suspension

Demovsky notes that the NFL is trying to get the video of the altercation as part of its investigation. Jacobs is trying to prevent anyone from seeing it, citing everything from protecting the woman’s anonymity to future burglary prevention. We have no idea how this will play out, but Demovsky reported in late September that Judge Marc Hammer “denied the request by the victim in the Josh Jacobs case to have the records permanently sealed.” Jacobs is appealing this ruling. It is unclear when or if Jacobs will play in the NFL again.

Jacob’s current time on the Commissioner’s Exempt List is expected to count as time served toward an eventual suspension. Rapoport added, “If they get to the point where it’s five games, six games, maybe eight games, that might be when you’re looking at a potential return for Josh Jacobs.” The NFL is currently trying to obtain video footage of the incident from the Hobart/Lawrence police department. The victim in Jacobs’ case requested that it be sealed by a judge for privacy reasons, but that request was denied. Now the NFL has filed a FOIA request to obtain it. It seems like they won’t make any decisions on Jacobs’ suspension until they have viewed the video, which could take several more weeks to resolve.

He added that the matter has been turned over to the Hobart/Lawrence police department, which is now in charge of determining whether or not the video will be released. Jacobs or the victim can then appeal that decision. The NFL has been adamant about getting the video before determining Jacobs’ pending suspension, and this increased the odds of that happening. Still, Jacobs could try to prevent that through the appeal process. Jacobs is believed to be facing a 4-6 game suspension, but the NFL can increase the length because of aggravating circumstances. This legal matter is inching toward a resolution, but a clash over the video would likely delay things even further.

According to Rapoport, the league is “trying all sorts of legal maneuvers” to get the video of the incident. The court has already barred the video from being released, so it’s unclear whether the league will be able to get it from Jacobs at all. For now, Jacobs remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. MarShawn Lloyd will start at running back until he is removed from the list and serves an impending suspension.

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.

“Asked if there’s a scenario in which the Packers release Jacobs, Gutekunst says he wants to let the process play out,” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidmann said. Jacobs on Sunday was placed on the Commissioners Exempt List while his legal situation plays out. Jacobs in May was arrested and booked on five charges, including felony strangulation. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Monday that Jacobs’ time on the exempt list was, for now, indefinite, and hinged entirely on how his legal situation unfolds. If damning video evidence is released, Jacobs could miss most or all of the regular season. MarShawn Lloyd would start the year as Green Bay’s lead back and has a chance to be one of fantasy’s best running back values.

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.