National Sports

Packers brass hopes for Jacobs’ return

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs still has the support of his coach and general manager, who remain optimistic the three-time Pro Bowler will come off the commissioner’s exempt list and play sometime this season.

Jacobs was placed on the exempt list after being charged with two misdemeanors in a domestic violence case.

“There were many conversations obviously and certainly don’t know all the details, but what he tells me, I believe him and I trust him,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday. “I’m going to do that until proven otherwise.”

General manager Brian Gutekunst said he is hopeful the running back will return before the end of the season. “But we’re going to let this process play out, and we’ll be prepared either way,” Gutekunst said.

Gutekunst said he hasn’t seen the video that the Brown County (Wisconsin) District Attorney’s office says it has as evidence corroborating statements made by Jacobs’ girlfriend regarding their May 23 altercation. Jacobs, who was arrested May 26, faces charges of battery and criminal damage to property.

District Attorney David Lasee announced Thursday that the charges were being filed. Three days later, the NFL put Jacobs on the exempt list, which prevents him from playing or practicing but allows him to keep receiving a paycheck.

Upon request and with the club’s permission, Jacobs may be allowed at the facility for meetings, individual workouts, therapy and rehabilitation and other non-football activities.

The NFL is investigating Jacobs’ situation and he could be suspended by the league. Any games he misses while on the exempt list would count toward his suspension, but he would also have to repay the money he earned during that time.

Lack experience

Jacobs’ absence hurts Green Bay at a position where it already lacked depth.

MarShawn Lloyd, a third-round draft pick in 2024, has played just one game in two seasons because of injuries, though he’s now healthy. Chris Brooks rushed for 106 yards on 27 carries last year.

The Packers acquired 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson from Pittsburgh for a 2028 sixth-round selection on Sunday.

Johnson had 28 carries for 69 yards as a rookie. His second career game was a 31-17 loss at Seattle in which he didn’t chase a kickoff that bounced over his head, leading to a Seahawks touchdown.

News,

notes

The Packers added QB Kedon Slovis to their practice squad. Slovis had been in Arizona’s training camp. … Gutekunst believes WR Savion Williams (ankle) and DE Collin Oliver (Achilles tendon), both on injured reserve, should be ready to return shortly after they’ve missed the required four games.