It was learned on Wednesday that the Brown County District Attorney’s office was “not yet prepared to make a formal charging decision” after Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs was recently arrested on five charges, including a felony charge of strangulation and suffocation.
Jacobs’ attorneys “vehemently” denied the accusations via a statement, but the 28-year-old’s status for the upcoming season is up in the air. On Thursday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US addressed whether or not the Packers have begun exploring other options at the position.
Packers not yet “expected” to make any big move related to Josh Jacobs matter
“League sources indicated they did not expect the Packers to make a trade or free-agent signing in the immediate aftermath of Jacobs’ arrest,” La Canfora wrote. “Team officials made no immediate overtures to available running backs, though there are a number of avenues they could explore.”
ESPN stats show that Jacobs led the 2025 Packers with 234 carries and 929 rushing yards. He was tied for fourth in the league with 13 rushing touchdowns.
Why Packers may wait before making a Josh Jacobs move
Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette and others have noted that Jacobs could be subject to discipline from the NFL under the personal conduct policy. Wood also mentioned that 2024 third-round draft pick MarShawn Lloyd “figures to be in line as Jacobs’ primary backup” this fall. Lloyd thus far has tallied a total of six career regular-season carries.
“In regard to Jacobs’ playing status with the league,” La Canfora said, “the NFL, as a rule, does not get involved in any legal matters such as this until it is adjudicated or largely adjudicated from a court standpoint. And with just a few weeks until mandatory minicamp, and then teams taking extended time off before the start of training camp in July, other front offices would be surprised if the Packers made any significant moves at this position early in the summer.”
La Canfora added that the Packers “would unquestionably make a transaction of some significance if Jacobs’ status changes.” Stories have linked Green Bay with Najee Harris, Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara, among other options.