Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List following misdemeanor charges filed in May 2026. General Manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed an expectation that Jacobs will play this season, while MarShawn Lloyd prepares to start the opener against Minnesota.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Sunday, August 30, 2026, barring him from practicing or attending games while his legal situation unfolds. The roster move arrived days after the Brown County District Attorney’s office filed two misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property against him.
The charges stem from an incident at Jacobs’ home on May 23, 2026, which police described as a physical confrontation with his girlfriend. Jacobs was arrested May 26 after officers responded to a disturbance call, and he was released from jail the following day. Attorneys David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Duchac III issued a statement acknowledging the charges and emphasizing that they do not include domestic violence.
Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur Address Jacobs’ Status
Despite the indefinite nature of the Commissioner’s Exempt List, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed confidence about the running back’s availability for the 2026 campaign during a Tuesday press conference following initial 53-man roster cuts.
“I think that’s to be seen, but like, I’m certainly hopeful that he will, and certainly would expect that. But we’re going to let this process play out, and we’ll be prepared either way.”
Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers General Manager
When asked if the team considered releasing Jacobs, Gutekunst noted they would let the process play out before making such decisions. Head coach Matt LaFleur similarly voiced support for the veteran back following the Packers’ preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals, stating that he fully anticipated Jacobs remaining a member of the team.
District Attorney officials indicated that home surveillance video captured the incident inside a garage. Gutekunst confirmed that the organization has not seen that video, leaving those evidentiary matters to the ongoing legal proceedings.
MarShawn Lloyd Steps Into Lead Backfield Role
With Jacobs sidelined indefinitely, third-year running back MarShawn Lloyd is positioned to get first crack at the job when Green Bay opens its regular season against the Minnesota Vikings on September 13.
Lloyd’s career has been heavily impacted by injuries since the Packers drafted him in the third round of 2024, limiting him to just one appearance over his first two professional seasons. However, Gutekunst expressed confidence in the young running back’s readiness after a healthy training camp.
“I think he’s ready. He’s really eager. He’s a running back in the National Football League. To think he’s not going to get dinged up and have to play through that would be naïve.”
Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers General Manager
Green Bay’s depth chart also features Pierre Strong, who spent last season on the practice squad, and Chris Brooks, who recorded 106 rushing yards on 27 carries last year while contributing primarily on special teams. The front office also acquired Kaleb Johnson on cutdown day, though analysts note the newcomer faces a steep learning curve to grasp the offensive playbook before Week 1.
Roster Adjustments and Trade Denials
Alongside backfield adjustments, Gutekunst addressed roster speculation surrounding edge rusher Josh Sweat and trade discussions with Arizona. With star pass rusher Micah Parsons beginning the year on the physically unable to perform list due to an ACL injury, rumors linked Green Bay to Sweat. Gutekunst dismissed those reports entirely.
“No one from our organization has had a conversation about Josh Sweat with anybody from Arizona. It’s, I don’t know. Some things come out of thin air. Somebody’s making stuff up because that’s never ever happened.”
Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers General Manager
The Packers also finalized a trade involving backup quarterback Kyle McCord. Following a stellar preseason where he posted a 102.4 passer rating with 446 yards and four touchdowns, Green Bay realized keeping three quarterbacks or sneaking McCord onto the practice squad was impossible. Gutekunst traded McCord to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick.
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