Josh Jacobs will miss the start of the 2026 NFL season after the Green Bay Packers running back was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property last week, both misdemeanours, following his arrest in Wisconsin in May. He had initially been arrested on five charges, including one felony.
The NFL’s decision means Jacobs cannot practise or play while he remains on the list, although he will continue to receive his salary. There is no indication yet of how long the 28-year-old will remain unavailable.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesJosh Jacobs’ absence leaves Packers with major running back decisionJacobs had returned to the Packers and been preparing for the new campaign while the league investigated the matter.
Green Bay knew a suspension or placement on the exempt list was possible, with general manager Brian Gutekunst saying the team had been preparing for either outcome.
‘We’ve obviously been preparing for that in case that happens. But at the same time, I feel really good about the guys we have in that room,’ Gutekunst said.
The Packers now have to move forward without their starting running back as they prepare for their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 13.
Jacobs was one of Green Bay’s most important offensive players last season, rushing for 929 yards and recording 14 total touchdowns. He signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers ahead of the 2024 campaign.
His absence is expected to put more responsibility on Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd. Brooks recorded 106 rushing yards on 27 attempts last season, while Lloyd has played just one game because of injuries.
Green Bay also made a move on Sunday, trading with the Pittsburgh Steelers for running back Kaleb Johnson. The 2025 third-round pick had 69 rushing yards on 28 carries during his time in Pittsburgh.
Jacobs’ representatives stressed that the exempt-list decision is not a final determination.
‘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,’ his representatives said.
For now, the Packers must prepare for life without their starting running back, while Jacobs waits for the next stage of the NFL’s review.
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