Why Josh Jacobs' arrest is yet another problem for Packers' running back room

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Why Josh Jacobs' arrest is yet another problem for Packers' running back room originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Josh Jacobs' recent arrest on domestic violence, battery and other charges isn't the news the Green Bay Packers wanted to hear about their star running back at this point in the 2026 NFL offseason.

While Jacobs faces some serious allegations off the field, it only adds to some real concerns about their backfield. Jacobs, 28, is two years removed from making the NFC Pro Bowl roster in his first season with the Packers, and already saw a dropoff in production, durability and efficiency in 2025.

Despite that fact and considering the wear and tear going back to the start of his workhorse career as a Raider, Green Bay did nothing to improve the backup plan on the depth chart. Now comes the potential of Jacobs facing some disciplinary action.

Here's looking at what's next for Jacobs, the Packers' current running back situation and the veteran free agents still available for the team to pursue as insurance:

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Do the Packers plan to suspend or cut Josh Jacobs?​

Per a statement from Jacobs' lawyers, he "vehemently denies the allegations" and is waiting for "the judicial process to take its course."

The Packers also released their own statement in response to the arrest. "As this is an ongoing legal situation, we withhold from comment," a team official said.

Coach Matt LaFleur stuck by that statement during his Wednesday press conference with reporters, saying the team is also "letting the process play out." When asked whether the Packers would need to prepare for Jacobs missing games in the 2026 season, LaFleur added, "A lot's going to happen between now and then."

Should the process with Jacobs end in a conviction or plea agreement, he would be in line for a minimum six-game suspension without pay for his first domestic violence offense. With the allegations involving strangulation and suffocation, Jacobs would face a longer ban after further investigation.

For now, LaFleur or the Packers won't be doing anything short-term to affect Jacobs' roster status.

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Packers RB depth chart​

The Packers chose not to re-sign young top reserve Emanuel Wilson, who signed with the Seahawks. That leaves Chris Brooks as the No. 2 and the only Packers back other than Jacobs who had regular-season carries (27) in 2025.

Third-stringer MarShawn Lloyd keeps trying to get healthy enough to contribute as a 2024 third-round pick out of USC. Former Patriot and Brown Pierre Strong Jr. rounds out the top four after being a practice-squadder last season.

"I like the guys that we have," LaFleur said. "But certainly you can never have enough."

Although the team is high on Brooks' overall skill set, there's a lot of inexperience behind Jacobs on a team that fielded the No. 15 rushing offense and called for run plays 47.7. percent of the time. Any such concern with Jacobs' availability would have put the glaring spotlight on the situation.

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Packers free agent RB options​

Najee Harris, Joe Mixon and Austin Ekeler are among the notable names not signed to a roster. But it would make most sense for the Packers to consider one of two former Browns, Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt. Both have plenty of power still left to contribute.

Going for another backup type who doesn't inspire more than Brooks would be a mistake. They need someone capable of getting key early-down and high-leverage carries if needed. Chubb and Hun are the easiest studies for Matt LaFleur's system.

The Packers cannot afford not to make a move behind Jacobs ahead of training camp.

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