Josh Jacobs' Court Hearing Moved to Sept. 10 Ahead of Packers' Season Opener
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs will make his initial court appearance on Sept. 10 after the hearing was moved up from its original date in November. Jacobs is facing two misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged May altercation with his girlfriend, creating additional uncertainty around his availability as Green Bay prepares for the 2026 season.
The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, just three days before the Packers open their season against the Minnesota Vikings. His legal situation and potential absence have become important factors for analysts making NFL predictions and considering early-season NFL Picks involving Green Bay.
Key Takeaways
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs faces misdemeanor charges and an NFL investigation, with his court hearing moved to September 10, creating uncertainty for his season availability.
- Josh Jacobs has been charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from an alleged May altercation with his girlfriend, with surveillance footage reportedly supporting her account.
- The NFL has placed Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List, preventing him from practicing or playing while the league investigates, though this is not a final determination and he continues to be paid.
- The Packers are preparing for the possibility of playing without Jacobs, who was a key offensive player in the previous season, and his potential absence impacts early-season NFL predictions and picks.
Jacobs Faces Misdemeanor Charges
Jacobs was arrested on May 26, three days after police officers responded to a reported disturbance at his home in Hobart, Wisconsin. Brown County District Attorney David Lasee later announced that Jacobs would face misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property.
According to the criminal complaint, Jacobs' girlfriend told police that an argument began after she looked through his phone and found conversations with other women. She reportedly threw the phone but said it was not damaged, while Jacobs had possession of her phone during the dispute.
Police said the woman attempted to retrieve her phone from Jacobs, leading to a physical struggle that lasted several minutes. The two eventually left the home in separate vehicles before returning later.
Authorities said the confrontation continued when the woman tried to leave through a garage door. Police said Jacobs allegedly grabbed her, threw her to the ground and caused her to hit her head before taking her phone.
The criminal complaint states that surveillance footage from the garage supported the woman's account. Brian Gutekunst said this week that the team had not seen the footage referenced in the complaint.
NFL Investigation Could Affect His Season
The NFL placed Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List after the charges were announced. The designation prevents the three-time Pro Bowl running back from practicing or playing, although he continues to receive his salary while the league investigates the matter.
Players on the exempt list may be permitted to report to their team's facility for certain activities, including meetings, individual workouts, therapy and rehabilitation. However, they cannot participate in regular football activities while the designation remains in place.
Jacobs' attorneys, David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld and Clarence F. Duchac III, said the move to the Commissioner's Exempt List is not a final determination. They also said Jacobs looks forward to returning to the Packers and the NFL.
The league could eventually issue a suspension depending on the results of its investigation. Any games Jacobs misses on the exempt list could count toward a league penalty, with his pay during that period subject to repayment.
Gutekunst said the Packers remain hopeful that Jacobs will be available at some point this season. At the same time, the general manager acknowledged that the organization must prepare for either outcome.
The uncertainty surrounding one of Green Bay's biggest offensive players will be closely watched in NFL predictions throughout the opening weeks. Any change to Jacobs' status could also influence NFL Picks, particularly in games where Green Bay's rushing attack is expected to play a major role.
Packers Prepare for Possible Running Back Changes
Jacobs' absence would leave a major gap in Green Bay's backfield. He rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025, while no other Packers running back topped 106 yards.
Green Bay added Kaleb Johnson from the Steelers. The former third-round pick joins MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and practice-squad back Pierre Strong. If Jacobs remains out, the Packers may need to use a committee to replace his production.
That situation could make Green Bay a particularly interesting team for NFL Picks during the first part of the season. Analysts assessing NFL predictions will have to consider the strength of the replacement backs, the Packers' offensive approach and how opposing defenses respond without Jacobs.
The same factors will matter when bettors look for Expert betting tips for NFL games involving Green Bay. Changes to a team's starting lineup can affect projected scoring, rushing production and the expected outcome of a matchup.
What Jacobs' Absence Means for Green Bay
As the season gets underway, Expert betting tips for NFL games will likely continue to account for Jacobs' status until there is a clearer decision from the NFL.
For now, Sept. 10 marks the next major date in a case that could have consequences both on and off the field. The Packers will prepare for their season opener while waiting for developments from the legal process and the NFL investigation, leaving Jacobs' return date uncertain.