The NFL placed Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list, the league announced Sunday.
Jacobs will continue to be paid while on the list but is not allowed to practice or play in games. The 28-year-old is facing two misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from what police described as a physical confrontation with a woman.
"Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list, which is an administrative procedure used by the NFL while a matter is being reviewed. It is not a final determination," Jacobs' lawyers said in a statement obtained by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "Josh respects the NFL process, the Packers, and his coaches and teammates. He looks forward to his return to the team and the NFL."
According to the criminal complaint, Jacobs' girlfriend had looked through his phone and saw that he was talking to other women, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports. Jacobs later held her cell phone, and when she tried to retrieve it, he grabbed her arm and a physical struggle ensued, lasting several minutes.
When Jacobs' girlfriend tried to leave his garage, per the complaint, he "grabbed her and threw her to the ground," where she struck her head and suffered an injury. The report also mentions that a police officer felt a bump on her head and observed redness on her face and neck.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters Friday that the team has no plans to release the running back. Jacobs has no guaranteed money remaining on the four-year, $48-million contract he signed in March 2024.
Green Bay traded for 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson on Sunday, acquiring the former Iowa star from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2028 sixth-round selection. The Packers also have running back MarShawn Lloyd, who's now healthy after playing in only one game over the last two campaigns.
Jacobs suited up in 15 regular-season contests last season, recording 1,211 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns. Since 2019, Jacobs' 7,803 rushing yards rank second in the league behind only Derrick Henry.
The Packers will face the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13 in their season opener.
