The NFL is keeping Josh Jacobs on hold.
After the Green Bay Packers running back pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property in Brown County, Wisconsin, the league said his status will not change ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt list, which keeps him out of both practice and games while still allowing him to be around the team facility.
“We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review of the personal conduct policy. There is no change to his status as he remains on the Commissioner's Exempt list,” NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in a statement Thursday.
Jacobs’ plea was accepted by the judge with conditions that included supervision, counselling, no contact with the victim, restitution and a $1,000 fine. In court, the running back said he fully understands the seriousness of the situation and takes full responsibility.
The legal case may be settled, but the league’s process is separate. Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list in late August, and that designation means he will not be available for the Vikings game.
NFL Network’s Adam Schefter said the next step is now in the league’s hands.
“The case is now essentially closed,” Schefter said on "The Pat McAfee Show." “The NFL now can step in and expedite its review and issue discipline. And it really wouldn't be a surprise if the discipline came sooner rather than later in this particular case.
“So, again, he's not going to play Sunday, we don't think, because the league placed him on the commissioner exempt. They'd have to remove him.
And when they remove him, I would expect that there would be some form of discipline. We'll see how many games the league decides to suspend him for.”
For now, the Packers are waiting on the length of whatever punishment comes next. Jacobs has rushed for over 2,000 yards in the last two seasons in Green Bay, making him a key piece of the offense heading into the 2026 season.
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