Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs faces two misdemeanor charges: battery and criminal damage to property. These charges were filed by the Brown County District Attorney's office in Wisconsin on Thursday, stemming from a domestic incident at his home near Green Bay on May 23.
If convicted, Jacobs could face up to nine months in jail for each charge, totaling a potential of 18 months and fines up to $20,000. He was initially arrested on charges including felony strangulation/suffocation, domestic-abuse battery, domestic-abuse criminal damage to property, domestic-abuse disorderly conduct, and intimidation of a victim.
District Attorney David L. Lasee stated that his office conducted a thorough review of the available evidence, some of which was recently obtained through ongoing forensic efforts. "A criminal complaint is nothing more than a written, formal accusation against a defendant alleging the commission of criminal offenses and does not raise any inference of guilt," Lasee said in a statement. "Mr. Jacobs is presumed innocent of these charges."
Attorneys for Jacobs, David Z. Chesnoff, Richard A. Schonfeld, and Clarence F. Duchac III, released a statement noting that the charges filed do not include domestic violence. "The allegations will be addressed in court, and not in the media. Mr. Jacobs respects the District Attorney's office and the process it followed," their statement read.
The battery charge is based on evidence that Jacobs allegedly caused bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend without her consent. The criminal damage to property charge relates to alleged damage to her phone, also without consent.
The NFL is monitoring the developments and has been since Jacobs' initial arrest. The league may impose discipline under its Personal Conduct Policy regardless of the legal outcome, as negative publicity can reflect on the NFL. However, the league often waits for the legal process to conclude before taking action.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst indicated that the team is preparing for various scenarios, including the possibility of a suspension for Jacobs during the 2026 season. The team's current depth at running back includes MarShawn Lloyd, who has limited regular-season experience, along with Pierre Strong Jr. and Chris Brooks. Any prolonged absence by Jacobs could prompt the Packers to seek additional help at the position.