Packers News: Josh Jacobs Arrested on Five Charges, Including Three Carrying Domestic Abuse Designation
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Brown County Jail in Wisconsin on five criminal charges following a domestic disturbance three days earlier, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department released a statement confirming it dispatched officers on the morning of May 23 to a disturbance complaint involving Jacobs. After an investigation, Jacobs was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 26. He is facing charges of battery, domestic abuse, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim. Three of the five charges carry a formal domestic abuse designation.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” Police Chief Michael Renkas said in a statement. “No further information will be released at this time.”
Jacobs’ attorneys, David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld, and Clarence Duchac, issued a joint statement on his behalf. “Josh vehemently denies the allegations, and this matter is in the early stages of investigation with important evidence that has not yet been made public,” the statement read.
The Packers acknowledged the situation in a brief statement of their own. “We are aware of the matter involving Josh Jacobs,” a team spokesman said. “As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment.” The NFL has also been informed. Spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the league is “aware of the report and has been in contact with the club.”
Jacobs, 28, was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He signed with Green Bay as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season on a four-year, $48 million deal. Last season, he carried the ball 234 times for 929 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns across 15 games, battling through a knee injury in the second half of the year. His 14 total touchdowns, 13 rushing and one receiving, were the second-most of his career.
If the NFL places Jacobs on the commissioner’s exempt list or issues a suspension, the Packers’ backfield depth becomes a significant concern. Behind Jacobs, Green Bay has MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Lloyd, a third-round pick in 2024, has played in just one NFL game across two seasons due to a succession of injuries that has included hip, hamstring, ankle, groin, and calf issues, as well as an emergency appendectomy. Chris Brooks, re-signed this offseason to a two-year deal, has operated primarily as a blocker and special teamer throughout his career, accumulating 82 carries over three seasons. Neither profiles as a capable every-down replacement should Jacobs be unavailable.
The investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been proven in court.