The Green Bay Packers have not reviewed the video evidence central to the criminal case against running back Josh Jacobs, according to general manager Brian Gutekunst. Prosecutors referenced the surveillance footage in a criminal complaint filed last week, prompting the NFL to place Josh Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list just days before the start of the season.
The Charges and Video Evidence in Question
Brown County prosecutors filed formal misdemeanor charges of battery and property damage against Jacobs last Thursday. The charges stem from an alleged May 23 incident involving a woman at Jacobs’ residence in the Green Bay area. According to the criminal complaint, the woman attempted to leave Jacobs’ garage when he “grabbed her and threw her to the ground; she hit her head and suffered an injury.” Surveillance footage from the property’s camera system reportedly corroborates relevant parts of the woman’s statement, though recordings are limited to the garage area rather than the interior of the home.
“We haven’t seen the video,” Gutekunst stated during a press briefing. “Again, these are ongoing legal matters, so we’ll let them play out. That’s really not for us; when the time is right, if that material is available, we’ll see what we do.” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy declined to comment on whether league officials have reviewed the footage, stating that the matter remains under review pursuant to the personal conduct policy without discussing details of ongoing investigations.
Team Roster Adjustments and Training Facility Access
Under NFL rules governing the commissioner’s exempt list, Jacobs is permitted inside team facilities for meetings and rehabilitation, but he cannot practice or play in games. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur noted that Jacobs will utilize the team facilities while the legal process moves forward. “Obviously there were a lot of conversations, and I certainly don’t know all the details,” LaFleur said. “But I believe him and trust what he’s telling me. That’s how I’m going to roll until proven otherwise.”
In the absence of their lead running back, Green Bay’s backfield depth includes MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and newly acquired running back Kaleb Johnson, who arrived via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The front office also added Pierre Strong Jr. to the practice squad to bolster depth.
Looking Ahead to the Season
Gutekunst expressed hope that Jacobs will return to the field during the current season, though he emphasized that the organization will monitor developments and prepare for any scenario as the legal proceedings continue. The Brown County prosecutor’s office has not indicated whether or when the surveillance video will be made available to the public.
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