What Happened to Josh Jacobs? Latest on the Packers RB’s Legal Situation and Whether He’ll Be Suspended by NFL

Josh Jacobs entered Green Bay Packers training camp with two pressing concerns for his 2026 season. The first is a groin injury, while the more serious issue involves unresolved legal matters and the potential NFL discipline. Despite no suspension being announced, Jacobs remains under review by the league following his May arrest in Hobart, Wis.

Police responded to a disturbance complaint on May 23, leading to his arrest on suspicion of battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, strangulation, suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. Jacobs' attorneys vehemently deny the allegations, and he was released from custody on May 27 after prosecutors stated they were not ready to make a formal charging decision, requesting further investigation.

The case remains unresolved, with the Brown County District Attorney's Office informing the public in late July that the investigation was "still open" and an update forthcoming once a resolution was reached. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst described it as an ongoing legal situation, with both Green Bay and the NFL waiting for the process to unfold.

As of Aug. 21, no formal criminal charges have been filed against Jacobs. While a suspension remains possible, it is not confirmed. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Aug. 11 that Jacobs' situation is "still under review" and remains a "pending situation" with the NFL, stating that discipline is a potential option as the league examines several unresolved player cases before the regular season.

The NFL's conduct policy permits discipline regardless of the outcome of a criminal case, with a baseline punishment of six games without pay for violations involving assault, battery, or domestic violence. As such, Green Bay cannot assume Jacobs' availability when the season opener faces the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13. Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season, adding 282 receiving yards and another score, earning a 76.5 PFN RB Impact score, ranking 16th among qualifying running backs.

For now, he remains eligible to participate when healthy, working back from the groin injury that limited him during camp. The legal process and the NFL review are progressing on different tracks, and until either provides a resolution, Green Bay's Week 1 backfield carries an unusually large asterisk.