The Green Bay Packers will open the 2026 season Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings without running back Josh Jacobs, who remains on the commissioner’s exempt list while the NFL reviews his case.
Jacobs pleaded no contest this week to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. The charges stem from a May 23 incident at his home involving his then-girlfriend.
The league placed him on the exempt list in late August, barring him from practicing or playing. Only Commissioner Roger Goodell can restore him to the active roster.
A formal suspension is widely expected. The question now is how many games Jacobs will miss and whether time already spent on the exempt list will count toward that punishment.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the NFL could treat the missed games as time served.
“While Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains on the Commissioner Exempt list, the NFL could count time spent there as time served for any potential suspension,” Schefter reported on X.
“Some league sources expect this to be the case in the end. In the Collective Bargaining Agreement, there is a six-game minimum for any type of domestic violence. It could be more or less, depending on mitigating factors.”
The NFL’s personal conduct policy sets a six-game baseline suspension for a first offense involving domestic violence, dating violence or similar conduct. The commissioner can adjust the length based on aggravating or mitigating circumstances.
Jacobs has not yet been interviewed by the league, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That step is typically required before a final disciplinary decision.
If the league applies the exempt-list games to a six-game ban, Jacobs could return as early as Week 7. Nothing is official, and a ruling could still come later this week.
In 2025, Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns on 234 carries and added 36 receptions for 282 yards. He has 7,803 career rushing yards and 74 rushing touchdowns.
The Packers will lean on MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and recently acquired Kaleb Johnson in the backfield. Lloyd is expected to see the bulk of the early work.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said the team prepared for this possibility.
“I’m pretty confident we can sustain it, but it doesn’t mean we wouldn’t do that,” Gutekunst said. “Yeah, we’ll deal with that when that comes, but we’ve obviously prepared for that in case that happens, but, at the same time, I feel really good about the guys we’ve got in that room, and I think we can survive that.”
Coach Matt LaFleur has expressed support for Jacobs.
“There were many conversations obviously and certainly don’t know all the details, but what he tells me, I believe him and I trust him. I’m going to do that until proven otherwise.”
Yahoo Sports’ Hayden Winks projected a shorter ban after the plea.
“Josh Jacobs is now likely looking at 2-6 game suspension based on previous cases like this.”
The NFL issued a statement after the court appearance: “We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy. There is no change to his status as he remains on the commissioner’s exempt list.”
Jacobs’ attorneys said he accepted responsibility and looks forward to returning. The Packers open at Minnesota at 3:25 p.m. ET.
Green Bay’s offense will have to adjust immediately against a Vikings defense that ranked among the league’s better units against the run last season. How well the remaining backs perform will shape the early narrative of the Packers’ season.
