Green Bay’s running back room is already facing changes just a week into OTAs.
The team now has to plan for Josh Jacobs being unavailable, at least temporarily, after his recent arrest, with the football side of things moving separately from an ongoing legal process that hasn’t yet been resolved.
Jacobs reported to Hobart/Lawrence Police on Tuesday, May 26 and was booked into Brown County Jail. According to jail records, he faced two counts of felony strangulation and suffocation, along with four misdemeanours: battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and intimidating a victim. The charges followed a police response to a disturbance call earlier that Saturday morning.
The next day, May 27th, Jacobs was released without bail as the investigation continued. The same day, attorneys Chesnoff and Schonfeld said their client “vehemently denies the allegations” while also asking for “fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course.”
How the Packers are handling the situation
The Packers responded to the news by cancelling media availability for players after Wednesday’s OTA session and releasing a short statement: “As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment.” The NFL also acknowledged the report and noted they have been in contact with the team, using language that aligns with their typical approach during early stages of personal conduct reviews.
While this is standard procedure during an ongoing investigation, it still leaves Green Bay facing a football decision separate from any potential legal outcome.
Behind Jacobs, the depth chart includes veteran Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong, Damien Martinez and rookie Jaden Nixon. The Packers didn’t bring back Emanuel Wilson after he filled in last season during Jacobs’ absences and opted not to add another back through free agency or the draft. Lloyd, a third-round pick in 2024, has played just one game in two seasons due to injuries.
Matt LaFleur addressed the running back situation during OTAs on Wednesday: “I like the guys that we have, but certainly you can never have enough. That’s for sure.” The head coach didn’t wait for anyone to connect his comments directly to Jacobs’ legal situation before stating as much.
What Josh Jacobs’ role actually means to the offence
Jacobs isn’t just a runner — he’s central to everything from protection schemes to play-action setups and short-yardage packages. Over his seven-year career, he’s piled up 7,803 rushing yards and 74 touchdowns, earning three Pro Bowl nods along the way.
If Jacobs remains available without interruption, the offence can keep building as planned. But if that changes — whether through legal proceedings or a league suspension — Green Bay needs a backup plan ready to go. That means getting plenty of reps now, especially in blitz pickup and passing-game checkdowns, so they’re not caught unprepared later on.
The Packers’ voluntary OTAs run through June 18, with mandatory minicamp set for June 9-11. These are the key windows where the coaching staff can evaluate and give extended reps to those backing up Jacobs.
Green Bay will need to keep two separate plans in place. One, waiting out the legal process, and another, preparing for the possibility that Jacobs isn’t available. Regardless of how things play out off the field, they’ll need to be ready to adapt before training camp begins.
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