Uncertainty is beginning to surround Josh Jacobs and his standing with the Green Bay Packers after the star running back was recently arrested amid domestic violence allegations. As the legal situation continues to unfold, the franchise could also be forced to navigate potential disciplinary action from the NFL moving forward.
If Jacobs eventually receives a suspension, the Packers could be forced to lean on a different lead option in the backfield. Backup MarShawn Lloyd appears to be the most obvious candidate to step into a larger role, although Matt LaFleur is reportedly not prepared to automatically hand him control of the running back rotation, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
“He’s done a nice job, but we’ve only had one practice,” commented the Packers head coach.
“I think the proof will be in the pudding. He’s got to show that consistently over the course of all of OTAs, into training camp, into the preseason, and then we’ll see where we go from there.”
Marshawn Lloyd with the Green Bay Packers
Lloyd entered the league as a third-round selection by Green Bay in the 2024 NFL Draft, but injuries have slowed the start of his professional career. The young running back has managed only six carries at the NFL level so far and missed the entire 2025 season because of lingering soft tissue issues.
The 24-year-old has returned to full health and participated at the start of OTAs, where contact is limited and defenses are not fully engaged. Still, it gives the Packers an early look at his progress as Matt LaFleur evaluates what the young running back can bring to the offense. Simply being back on the field is an important first step in that assessment process.
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The Packers are expected to monitor the situation surrounding Jacobs until both the legal process and any potential NFL disciplinary decisions are resolved before making firm roster moves. In the meantime, MarShawn Lloyd appears positioned to see a significantly expanded workload in 2026 if the current backfield situation holds.