Latest Josh Jacobs development eases Packers concerns while strengthening outlook for offense despite off-field uncertainty
The running back got back to practice during this week’s OTAs in Green Bay, and Matt LaFleur said the situation hasn’t been a distraction
Running back Josh Jacobs is back at practice. The offensive player missed work last week after being arrested on five charges, including battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim.
Jacobs was present at the Packers’ OTAs on Tuesday, starting the second week of offseason Phase 3 in Green Bay. Before practice, head coach Matt LaFleur said that the situation hasn’t been a distraction in the locker room.
“Business as usual,” LaFleur described it.
Legal situation
Josh Jacobs was released from jail last Wednesday. After reviewing evidence from an alleged domestic violence incident, Brown County District Attorney’s Office said it wasn’t ready to make a formal charging decision.
Under Wisconsin law, police officers are required to make an arrest if they have reasonable grounds to believe a domestic violence-related crime occurred. However, that doesn’t automatically mean criminal charges will follow. The decision ultimately rests with the district attorney, who must determine whether the evidence meets the higher legal standard necessary to move forward with a prosecution.
Brown County District Attorney David E. Lassee said in a statement that his office “has requested additional investigation, as there is reason to believe that additional evidence may exist that would impact whether criminal charges are appropriate.”
That means the investigation will remain open. Eventually, Josh Jacobs may or may not be charged. That outcome will determine if Jacobs can face more legal consequences, and potentially an NFL suspension.
Publicly, the Packers have stated that they will allow the legal process to play out before making any decisions. At this moment, there isn’t enough evidence for the NFL to reach a determination, which means Jacobs remains eligible to practice and play while the situation continues to unfold.
Signed to a four-year deal with the Packers in free agency back in 2024, Josh Jacobs is under contract with Green Bay through 2027. He’s slated to make $11.5 million in 2026 and $13.5 million in 2027, but none of that remaining cash is guaranteed.