Packers star Josh Jacobs charged with two misdemeanors
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was charged Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, more than three months after his May arrest following a domestic situation at his home near Green Bay. Josh Jacobs suspension odds are rising as the NFL continues its own investigation and could discipline him before the Sept. 13 season opener.
Key Takeaways
- Jacobs faces two Class A misdemeanors — battery and criminal damage to property — with fines up to $10,000 or up to nine months in jail if convicted.
- Prosecutors dropped a felony strangulation charge and two other misdemeanors from his original May arrest.
- The NFL is conducting a separate review; ESPN's Adam Schefter said he would not be surprised by discipline before the season starts.
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said the team is prepared for a possible suspension and feels good about running back depth.
- Jacobs' initial court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17; he remains available to practice and play.
What Charges Does Josh Jacobs Face?
According to Wisconsin court records reported by ESPN, Jacobs was formally charged Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. Both are Class A misdemeanors, each carrying a potential fine of up to $10,000, up to nine months in prison, or both upon conviction.
The charges stem from a May 23 incident at Jacobs' residence, where police responded to a domestic disturbance call. He was arrested May 26 on five counts, including a felony strangulation charge. Prosecutors are not moving forward with that felony or two other original misdemeanor counts, per NBC Sports.
Brown County District Attorney David L. Lasee said his office sought a fair review of evidence that only recently became available. He emphasized that Jacobs is presumed innocent and that a criminal complaint does not imply guilt.
What Are Josh Jacobs Suspension Odds?
Jacobs is subject to discipline under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Thursday the matter remains under review. The league must decide whether to suspend Jacobs to start the 2026 season or wait until the legal process concludes.
Yahoo Sports notes the league often waits for legal cases to play out — Alvin Kamara played 15 games in 2022 before receiving a three-game suspension ahead of 2023. However, Schefter said during an August radio appearance that he would "not be surprised if there is discipline by the time the season starts."
With the regular season opening Sept. 13 at the Minnesota Vikings, the NFL would need to move quickly. Jacobs has practiced and played since his arrest, but off-field legal trouble often draws league scrutiny in our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage of athlete misconduct cases.
How Is Green Bay Preparing for a Possible Suspension?
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst told reporters Wednesday the franchise is prepared if Jacobs misses time. "We've obviously been preparing for that in case that happens," Gutekunst said, per Yahoo Sports. "But at the same time, I feel really good about the guys we have in that room."
Gutekunst said he could keep an extra running back if Jacobs might miss the season's start. Beyond Jacobs, Green Bay planned to roster MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks as backups, with Pierre Strong Jr. likely as a fourth option.
In two seasons with the Packers, Jacobs has rushed for 2,258 yards and 28 touchdowns. If suspended, his workload would shift to Brooks and Lloyd, a 2024 third-round pick who has played in just one NFL game due to injuries.
When Is Jacobs' Next Court Date?
Jacobs is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Nov. 17. He spent one night in jail after his May arrest and was released the following day. Lasee said his office will not comment further while the criminal case remains ongoing.