Packers running back Josh Jacobs put on NFL commissioner’s exempt list

Green Bay placed running back Josh Jacobs on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list on Sunday, removing him from the 53-man roster and barring him from practice and games. Jacobs remains under contract and may attend team meetings, individual workouts, medical treatment and other non-football activities with the Packers’ permission.

The league is still reviewing the case after Jacobs was charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from an alleged May incident. His first court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17, though the NFL does not have to wait for the legal process to conclude before taking disciplinary action.

"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. Josh respects the NFL process, the Packers, and his Coaches and Teammates. He looks forward to his return to the team and the NFL," said attorneys David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld and Clarence F. Duchac III.

To address the roster gap, Green Bay traded for running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Johnson, a former third-round pick, saw limited action with the Steelers, recording 69 rushing yards on 28 carries in his rookie season and later serving mainly on special teams.

The Packers also have MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks competing for backup roles, while rookie Pierre Strong Jr. is expected to miss the final roster.

The move comes as the team seeks depth at running back amid the uncertainty surrounding Jacobs’ legal situation.