Talk about a gut punch before the first snap. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will reportedly start the 2026 season on the commissioner’s exempt list, leaving a massive hole in their offensive plans right out of the gate. This isn’t just a minor setback, we are talking about their starting running back sidelined for who knows how long.
The Charges That Landed Jacobs on the Sidelines
This whole situation stems from Jacobs facing two misdemeanor charges: one count of battery and another count of criminal damage to property. These charges resulted from his late May arrest, and now, months later, the consequences are hitting hard. It’s a tough pill to swallow for any team to have your main guy facing these kinds of issues, especially as the regular season looms. You expect your players to be ready, focused, and available, not dealing with this kind of off-field drama.
What This Means for the Green Bay Roster Right Now
While Jacobs is on that exempt list, he still gets his paychecks. Wild, right? But here’s the kicker: he won’t be allowed to practice or play in games. That’s a huge blow for team chemistry and preparation. The one silver lining for Green Bay is that his situation does open up an additional spot on their 53-man roster. But let’s be real, an extra roster spot doesn’t replace your starting running back. The Packers are now scrambling, heading into the season without their primary ball carrier. It leaves them with a huge question mark at a critical position and forces someone else to step up immediately.
Green Bay will kick off the 2026 season with a huge challenge ahead. Losing Jacobs like this puts a ton of pressure on the rest of their offensive unit and whatever running back has to fill those shoes. It’s a bad look and a tough reality to face when you’re trying to start strong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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