Josh Jacobs Misses Packers Week 5 Game Amid NFL Review

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will miss the Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears while the NFL reviews his legal situation following a May 23, 2026 domestic disturbance case in Wisconsin. Jacobs remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List and has not played this season.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Jacobs faced two misdemeanor charges after an incident at his home involving an altercation with his girlfriend that caused minor injuries and property damage. He pleaded no contest on September 10 in Brown County Circuit Court.

The court case resulted in a battery conviction and a $1,000 fine plus court costs, according to sports.yahoo.com. The criminal damage to property charge was placed under a 12-month deferred judgment agreement requiring supervision, counseling, restitution, no further criminal offenses and no contact with the victim.

Jacobs was added to the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List on August 30, 2026, according to sports.yahoo.com. The move prevents him from practicing or playing while the league conducts its review under the personal conduct policy, although he continues to receive his salary.

The league's review remains separate from the court process, meaning Jacobs' legal resolution does not determine his return date. sports.yahoo.com reported that he could face a six-game suspension under the NFL policy, with his time on the exempt list potentially affecting the outcome.

"imminent" said Ian Rapoport, NFL insider.

Ian Rapoport previously reported that Jacobs was not expected to make an immediate return while the NFL evaluated the case and considered possible discipline, according to si.com. The league has not announced a final decision on his status.

Green Bay's offense has struggled without its starting running back. According to si.com, the Packers entered Week 5 with 232 rushing yards on 73 attempts through four games, averaging 3.2 yards per carry.

The Packers also lost backup running back Chris Brooks to an ankle injury, placing him on injured reserve, according to si.com. Green Bay entered the Chicago matchup with MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. as the available options in the backfield.

Jacobs was a major contributor for Green Bay in 2025, when he recorded 929 rushing yards on 234 carries, 13 rushing touchdowns, 36 receptions and 282 receiving yards in 15 games, according to si.com.

Without Jacobs, Green Bay's running back group has operated as a committee. According to packerstalk.com, Kaleb Johnson led the team with eight carries for 32 yards against the Jets and eight carries for 42 yards against Tampa Bay, while MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks also received opportunities.

The Packers entered Week 5 with a 2-2 record and no confirmed timetable for Jacobs' return. His availability remains dependent on the NFL investigation and any disciplinary decision from Commissioner Roger Goodell.