There is discussion in league circles about a possible suspension under the Personal Conduct Policy. An update circulating on social media suggested a potential 4- to 6-game suspension, with reports noting that time spent on the Exempt List could be counted toward any suspension. While such a figure has been floated publicly, the NFL’s process remains ongoing, and the exact outcome is still to be determined.
The situation traces back to late August when Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, shortly after prosecutors charged him with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property. The underlying matter dates to May 23, following an incident at his Wisconsin home after an open 911 call reportedly captured raised voices before the line disconnected.
According to the criminal filing, Jacobs’ former girlfriend alleged the dispute began after she found messages on his phone with other women. The confrontation escalated over their phones, with the woman claiming Jacobs grabbed her arm and later threw her to the garage floor as she attempted to leave, causing a head injury. Police observed redness on her face and neck and noted a lump on her head; surveillance footage from the garage was cited in support of parts of her account.
Jacobs was arrested on May 26 and faced multiple charges initially, including strangulation and suffocation, battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, and intimidation of a victim. Those charges were later narrowed, and after further review, two misdemeanor counts—battery and criminal damage to property—were ultimately pursued.
The team issued a brief statement at the time, acknowledging the charges and saying they would cooperate with the NFL while continuing to evaluate the situation, with no further comment.
On September 10, Jacobs pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charges. He was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine plus court costs for the battery charge. The criminal damage to property charge could be dismissed after a year if he stays out of trouble, avoids contact with the victim, remains under supervision, completes counseling, and pays restitution.
Separately, a legal matter regarding the handling of evidence proceeded. A judge temporarily sealed certain materials tied to the case, including surveillance footage, at the request of Jacobs’ attorney. Later, the victim’s attorneys sought to make the sealing permanent, arguing privacy and safety concerns. The procedural steps involved this sealing request, with the court ultimately rejecting an initial attempt due to filing format, prompting a corrected submission.
This ongoing process intersects with the league’s separate investigation into possible violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. Until the sealing matter is resolved, the status conference will help determine whether the surveillance footage remains protected or becomes accessible, potentially influencing the NFL’s next moves.
Impact on the Packers’ backfield depth is already evident. ESPN has listed MarShawn Lloyd as a potential starter, but the Week 1 lineup against Minnesota showed that the backfield depth was thin without Jacobs. Chris Brooks, who had been primarily involved in special teams, started in Week 1, recording 29 yards on seven carries. Head coach Matt LaFleur did rotate backs, with Lloyd also receiving significant snaps and finishing with 37 yards on 13 carries, the lead in rushing among Packers backs for the game.
The Week 1 performance underscored depth concerns for Green Bay. With Jacobs sidelined again, Lloyd is likely to start against the New York Jets, with Kaleb Johnson—acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh—being another option to monitor as the team looks to stabilize the run game.
In all, the situation remains fluid as the NFL continues its investigation, and the Packers adapt to an evolving depth chart while navigating the absence of Jacobs in the short term.
