When the Green Bay Packers selected Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they probably foresaw him being their starting running back one day. The path he has taken to get there, though, has been an incredibly twisting journey.
That same year, Green Bay signed Josh Jacobs to a four-year contract. Having him and Lloyd was supposed to give the Packers a dynamic one-two punch at the running back position. But while Jacobs put up Pro Bowl numbers, Lloyd spent the majority of his time on the injured list.
Indeed, Lloyd has played just one out of a possible 34 regular season games since he was drafted, and he even left the one he played early due to injury.
Now, however, he is primed to take over as the starting running back. At least, for now.
Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner exempt listSep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Back in May, Jacobs was arrested on five charges following a violent altercation with his girlfriend. One of the charges was a felony. Since then, many have wondered if the NFL might suspend him for part of the 2026 NFL season, and if so, for how long.
Last week, it was reported that Jacobs was formerly charged with battery and destruction of property, which are both misdemeanors. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison.
On Sunday, the NFL announced that the Packers running back will start the season on the commissioner’s exempt list. During his stay on this list, Jacobs will continue to collect a paycheck. However, he will not be allowed to practice or play in games.
Following the announcement, his lawyers released this statement: “Josh Jacobs has been placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which is an administrative procedure used by the NFL while a matter is being reviewed. It is not a final determination. Josh respects the NFL process, the Packers, and his Coaches and Teammates. He looks forward to his return to the team and the NFL.”
While Green Bay’s preferred starting running back has not been convicted of anything, the fact that he has been charged would indicate there is considerable evidence against him. That being said, he has not been convicted of anything. Yet. More than likely, the Packers star running back will reach a settlement outside of court.
The league is wisely awaiting to see how the legal process plays out before penalizing Jacobs financially. If he does end up getting suspended, he will have to forfeit his salary for the amount of games he spent on the exempt list in addition to missing out on his pay for the remaining games of his suspension.
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