Sports

Matt LaFleur gives blunt Josh Jacobs update ahead of Green Bay Packers opener

With the season opener approaching, the Green Bay Packers must also account for the absence of Josh Jacobs. The starting running back remains on the commissioner’s exempt list and is currently barred from both team practices and game action.

Josh Jacobs is set to appear in court Thursday as he faces misdemeanor charges stemming from a domestic dispute. The case has since been reduced from its original charges, and Matt LaFleur recently addressed the situation as the Packers continue preparing for the season opener.

“The more clarity the better, but it’s just wait and see,” commented the Packers head coach via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

The Packers’ Josh Jacobs dilemma

Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jacobs remains the Packers’ most accomplished option in the backfield, making his absence a significant development for Green Bay. The news of his arrest earlier this offseason caught many by surprise, and the team has since added other running backs to strengthen the position. Still, the Packers would prefer to get Jacobs back on the field as soon as possible while he works through the ongoing legal process.

Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers, Emmanuel Wilson, Jordan Love
Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 2025.

LaFleur enters the season under increased scrutiny after the Packers suffered back to back Wild Card exits. Last year’s playoff loss to the Chicago Bears only intensified the pressure, as Green Bay let a sizable lead slip away against its division rival and left some fans questioning whether LaFleur should remain the head coach.

The Packers will get their first opportunity to answer their critics on Sunday when they open the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings on the road.

More Packers News From Wisconsin Sports Heroics

Packers, Matthew Golden
Aug 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Packers running back Marshawn Lloyd (32) celebrates his touchdown with guard Sean Rhyan (75) and wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) and tight end Josh Whyle (81) in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images