Josh Jacobs’ Court Date Moved Up Amid Legal Troubles
The Green Bay Packers are facing uncertainty as running back Josh Jacobs’ initial court appearance, concerning two misdemeanor charges, has been rescheduled to take place next week, ahead of its original November date. The charges relate to an incident involving Jacobs and his girlfriend in May.
Originally slated for November 17, Jacobs’ hearing is now set for Thursday, just days before the Packers’ season opener against Minnesota. This change comes shortly after the NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list. While on this list, Jacobs is barred from participating in games or practices but will continue receiving his salary.
The NFL’s decision followed an announcement by Brown County (Wisconsin) District Attorney David Lasee, who charged Jacobs with battery and criminal damage to property. The league is conducting its own investigation, which could result in a suspension for Jacobs. If suspended, any games missed while on the exempt list will count toward the suspension, although Jacobs would need to return any earnings from that period.
Jacobs’ legal team, consisting of David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F. Duchac III, stated that the designation on the commissioner’s exempt list “is not a final determination.” They expressed optimism about Jacobs’ potential return to the team.
In late May, police responded to a disturbance at Jacobs’ residence. His girlfriend reported a head injury allegedly caused by Jacobs. She stated that a conflict arose after she discovered messages to other women on Jacobs’ phone. According to the police, she threw the phone in anger, attempted to retrieve her own phone from Jacobs, and was involved in a lengthy struggle.
The situation escalated when Jacobs allegedly grabbed her as she was exiting through a garage door, causing her to fall and hit her head. Jacobs reportedly took her phone during this altercation. Surveillance footage from the garage reportedly supports her account.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst commented that the team has not yet seen the video footage but remains hopeful for Jacobs’ return this season. “But we’re going to let this process play out, and we’ll be prepared either way,” Gutekunst stated.
Jacobs, who had a strong 2025 season with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, leaves a significant gap in the Packers’ lineup. The team recently acquired Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers to bolster their running back depth, which also includes MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Pierre Strong Jr. is available on the practice squad.
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