Packers RB Josh Jacobs Placed on Commissioner's Exempt List by NFL

The NFL placed Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list, according to Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network.

Jacobs is unable to practice or attend games while on the list.

The Ringer's Tom Pelissero shared a statement from Jacobs' attorneys: "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."

Players on the exempt list continue to receive their salary but are ineligible from playing or practicing with their team. In the case of Jacobs, that represents a significant blow to Green Bay's offense.

The three-time Pro Bowler's performance dipped a bit in 2025. He failed to crack 1,000 rushing yards (929) and saw his yards per carry fall from 4.4 to 4.0.

There isn't a clear replacement for Jacobs in the backfield, though.

MarShawn Lloyd, a third-round pick in the 2024 draft, has logged just six total carries in the regular season, and he didn't see the field at all in 2025. Chris Brooks' NFL resume isn't much better. Across three seasons, he has 395 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

The Packers are also adding Kaleb Johnson in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Johnson, a third-rounder in 2025, led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdown runs (21) as a junior. He'll now be firmly in the mix to earn carries in Green Bay.