A cloud over Green Bay's star
Josh Jacobs was arrested in May 2024 on five counts that include battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and intimidation, setting the stage for a legal battle that could spill into the NFL season.
On August 27, 2024, prosecutors formally charged him with two misdemeanors — battery and criminal damage to property — and scheduled his initial court appearance for November 17, leaving the league with a timeline that remains uncertain.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said the franchise is preparing for the possibility of being without Jacobs, while head coach Matt LaFleur added that he expects the player to stay with the team but acknowledges that Week 1 availability against the Minnesota Vikings is far from guaranteed.
Despite the legal storm, Jacobs has been a top‑10 fantasy running back in PPR formats over the past two seasons, making him a coveted asset for any roster that can afford the risk.
The Packers have lost several receivers in the offseason and are still integrating injured players, meaning Jacobs could become one of the few reliable options in the backfield.
Fantasy owners are therefore advised to avoid early‑round selections of Jacobs and instead adopt a wait‑and‑see strategy, monitoring court developments before committing draft capital.
What it means for the Packers
The uncertainty surrounding Jacobs adds a layer of volatility to the team's offensive plans, especially as surveillance footage from the alleged incident introduces further questions about the case's trajectory.