Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was formally charged on Thursday with two misdemeanor counts of battery and criminal damage to property by the Brown County District Attorney’s Office, stemming from an incident on May 23 at a Green Bay-area residence in Hobart, Wisconsin.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Facing Misdemeanor Charges
District Attorney David Lasee announced the charges following a months-long investigation. Jacobs was initially arrested by the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department on May 26 on five domestic abuse-related complaints, which included a felony count of strangulation and suffocation, alongside misdemeanor counts of battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, and intimidation of a victim. He was jailed and released the following day after prosecutors determined insufficient evidence existed at that time to pursue formal charges. Prosecutors ultimately elected not to file the felony strangulation charge or domestic violence enhancements.
Details of the Criminal Complaint and Garage Surveillance Video
According to the criminal complaint, police responded to the residence on the morning of May 23 following an open 911 line where dispatchers heard yelling and swearing. The victim told officers that she and Jacobs had argued after she looked through his phone and saw he was communicating with other women. The dispute escalated as both left in separate vehicles and later returned to the home.
The complaint states that as the woman attempted to exit the garage to call the police, Jacobs followed her, grabbed her, and threw her to the ground, causing her to strike her head and suffer an injury. Investigator Dan Van Lanen of the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department reported that surveillance video from inside the garage corroborated the altercation, showing Jacobs take the woman’s phone while she was on the floor and return approximately 40 seconds later to appear to damage the device. A responding officer observed redness on the victim’s face and neck and felt a bump on the back of her head.
Legal Responses and Potential NFL Discipline
Attorneys for Jacobs released a statement noting that the district attorney reviewed the evidence and chose to file misdemeanor charges that exclude domestic violence, stating that the allegations will be addressed in court rather than in the media. District Attorney David Lasee emphasized that a criminal complaint is a formal accusation and does not raise any inference of guilt, noting that Jacobs is presumed innocent. Each misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The NFL is conducting its own independent investigation and monitoring developments. The league holds the authority to suspend Jacobs, and it remains under review whether discipline will be levied to start the season or delayed until legal proceedings conclude. An initial court appearance for Jacobs is scheduled for Nov. 17, which falls during the Packers’ bye week following their Week 10 game against Minnesota.
Packers Roster Outlook and Backfield Depth
The Green Bay Packers released a brief statement acknowledging the charges and stating that the organization will continue to cooperate with the NFL through the process. General Manager Brian Gutekunst noted that the team is prepared for a potential absence by its starting running back.
If Jacobs faces a suspension, the team’s backfield depth features several reserves:
– MarShawn Lloyd: A 2024 third-round draft pick who has experienced injuries (including hamstring and ankle issues) during his first two seasons.
– Chris Brooks: A reserve back with 395 rushing yards across three seasons without a career start.
– Pierre Strong: A backup who has accumulated 499 rushing yards over three seasons.
Jacobs joined the Packers in 2024 after five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. Over his two seasons in Green Bay, he has rushed for 2,258 yards and 28 touchdowns, including 929 yards and 13 scores over 15 starts last year.
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