The expedited hearing falls three days before the Packers’ regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Court Appearance Rescheduled as Legal Process Accelerates
Jacobs faces two misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property filed by Brown County District Attorney David Lasee. Because the charges are misdemeanors, legal rules permit Jacobs’ attorneys—David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F.
Commissioner’s Exempt List and Team Impact
The legal developments follow the NFL’s decision to place Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. While on the list, Jacobs is barred from practicing or attending games, though he is permitted to receive a paycheck and can be present at team facilities for meetings, individual workouts, therapy, and rehabilitation with club permission.
In a joint statement regarding the exempt list status, Jacobs’ lawyers emphasized: Josh Jacobs has been placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which is an administrative procedure used by the NFL while a matter is being reviewed. It is not a final determination. Josh respects the NFL process, the Packers, and his coaches and teammates. He looks forward to his return to the team and the NFL.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated that the organization had not seen the garage surveillance video referenced in police reports, adding that the team is preparing to let the process play out. Head coach Matt LaFleur indicated he expects Jacobs to remain with the team following the legal proceedings. Last season, Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns over 15 games.
Criminal Complaint and Allegations
The misdemeanor charges stem from an incident on May 23 at a Hobart home involving Jacobs and his girlfriend. According to the criminal complaint, police responded to an open 911 line where dispatchers heard yelling and swearing. The victim told law enforcement that an argument began after she looked through Jacobs’ phone and saw he was communicating with other women.
The complaint details that after a physical struggle and movement between rooms and the garage, Jacobs grabbed the victim and threw her to the ground, causing her head to strike the floor and resulting in an injury. Responding officers observed redness on the victim’s face and neck, and felt a bump on the back of her head while she reported being in pain. Police also reviewed home surveillance video which corroborated that Jacobs took the victim’s phone while she was on the garage floor and later appeared to damage it.
Backfield Adjustments in Jacobs’ Absence
With Jacobs sidelined by the exempt list and his playing status uncertain, the Packers have adjusted their roster depth. On the same day Jacobs was placed on the exempt list, Green Bay acquired running back Kaleb Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson joins a running back room that includes MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks.
Any potential suspension levied by the NFL later could factor in games missed while on the exempt list, though any salary earned during that period would be subject to forfeiture depending on final league discipline.
