Packers Star Josh Jacobs Placed on NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List After Misdemeanor Charges
Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs has been placed on the NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List as the league continues reviewing his legal situation.
The decision comes days after Jacobs was formally charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property stemming from an alleged incident in May.
The move creates significant uncertainty around one of Green Bay’s most important offensive players just before the start of the 2026 NFL regular season.
What the Commissioner’s Exempt List Means for Josh Jacobs
While on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, Jacobs will not count toward the Packers’ 53-man roster and is not permitted to practice or attend games.
Jacobs will continue to be paid. With permission from the Packers, he can participate in certain activities at the team facility, including meetings, individual workouts and medical treatment.
Being placed on the list is an administrative action and does not represent a final determination by the NFL regarding the allegations or potential league discipline.
The NFL is continuing to review the matter.
Josh Jacobs Faces Two Misdemeanor Charges
Jacobs faces misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property following an alleged May incident.
His initial court appearance is scheduled for November 17.
The NFL does not necessarily have to wait for the legal process to conclude before determining whether Jacobs will face discipline under league policies.
Attorneys representing Jacobs emphasized that his placement on the exempt list should not be interpreted as a final judgment in the case.
They said Jacobs respects the NFL’s review process and looks forward to returning to the Packers and the league.
Packers Trade for Kaleb Johnson
Green Bay has already made a move to strengthen its running back depth.
The Packers acquired running back Kaleb Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers as uncertainty surrounding Jacobs’ availability increased.
Johnson was selected by Pittsburgh with the No. 83 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after playing college football at Iowa.
His rookie season produced limited opportunities, with Johnson recording 69 rushing yards on 28 carries across 10 games.
A move to Green Bay could give the young running back a much larger opportunity.
Who Replaces Josh Jacobs for the Packers?
Green Bay’s running back room now includes MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and Johnson behind Jacobs.
Lloyd could be particularly important if Jacobs misses significant time. The former third-round draft pick has dealt with injuries throughout the beginning of his NFL career and has appeared in only one regular-season game.
Johnson gives the Packers another option capable of competing for carries while Jacobs’ status remains unresolved.
What This Means for Green Bay
Jacobs has been a major part of Green Bay’s offense since joining the Packers in 2024.
The three-time Pro Bowl running back has accumulated more than 7,800 rushing yards during his NFL career and previously led the league in rushing in 2022.
He finished the 2025 season with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for Green Bay.
His potential absence would therefore represent a significant change for the Packers’ offense entering the 2026 season.
For now, Green Bay will have to prepare without knowing exactly when Jacobs might return.
The NFL’s investigation, Jacobs’ legal proceedings and the development of Green Bay’s other running backs will all become important storylines as the Packers approach the regular season.
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