LaFleur says he fully anticipates Packers keeping Josh Jacobs while charges are pending

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence that running back Josh Jacobs will remain with the team despite two misdemeanor charges. Jacobs is accused of battery and criminal damage to property following a physical altercation with his girlfriend. These charges were filed on Thursday by Brown County, Wisconsin District Attorney’s office, stemming from an incident that occurred three months prior.

Jacobs was arrested on May 26 after police were called to his residence, but he was released from jail the following day.

LaFleur's assertion came after the Packers ended their preseason campaign with a 42-38 win over the Arizona Cardinals. When queried about Jacobs' availability for the team’s season opener against Minnesota on September 13, LaFleur stated, "I can’t really comment on that because I don’t know." Jacobs’ legal team, comprising David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F. Duchac III, acknowledged the charges in a statement on Thursday, emphasizing they do not involve domestic violence.

They noted that the allegations will be decided in court, not in the press, and expressed Jacobs' respect for the District Attorney’s office and the established process.

The NFL has been monitoring the case, and the Packers affirmed their cooperation with the league. Jacobs, who rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns during the 2023 season, had a strong 2024 campaign with 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning a third Pro Bowl selection. If healthy, key depth chart running backs like MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr., and Chris Brooks are expected to compete for the starting position.

Lloyd, though recently healthy, appeared in only one game over the past two seasons due to injuries. Strong, who spent last season on the practice squad, amassed 499 career rushing yards. Finally, Brooks contributed primarily on special teams last season, rushing for 106 yards on 27 carries.