Josh Jacobs Suspension Update: Will Packers Running Back Miss Time?

In late May, Packers RB Josh Jacobs was arrested on five charges relating to domestic violence. Since then, news of a Josh Jacobs suspension has been quiet, but Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst commented on the situation on Wednesday, August 26.

Gutekunst stated Green Bay has prepared for the scenario of a Josh Jacobs suspension, putting the news of a potential suspension square in the spotlight once again. But how many games could Jacobs miss if he’s hit with a suspension?

Below, we’ll provide the latest Josh Jacobs suspension update and look at the NFL’s precedent for suspensions involving domestic violence. Plus, the potential suspension could shift fantasy football and Packers’ predictions for PrizePicks.

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Josh Jacobs Suspension: How Many Games Could Packers RB Miss?

Since Jacobs was arrested in May, not much has happened.

Following the incident, Jacobs’ attorneys stated, “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. We ask for fairness and restraint while the judicial process takes its course.”

Packers head coach Mike LaFleur issued a statement about two months ago, suggesting the franchise would let the process unfold—which is precisely what’s happened.

As of this writing, this event is still under investigation and remains an allegation. With that said, it’s simply a waiting game. Frankly, Gutekunst’s statement of preparing for a suspension is nothing new. That’s likely been the case since Jacobs was arrested back in May.

We can look at recent suspensions to set an expectation for a potential suspension. On August 14, Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr. was suspended for eight games due to violating the league’s personal conduct policy, relating to an arrest on domestic violence charges.

However, we’ve seen recent cases of charges being dropped, leading to no suspension.

For example, Patriots DT Christian Barmore had his charges dropped back in March and is not expected to miss any games in 2026. Last year, Browns RB Quinshon Judkins also had his charges dropped and ultimately missed only the season opener after signing late with the team.

In summary, the investigation needs to unfold before the NFL likely decides on any potential suspension for Jacobs. If he does miss time, it could be anywhere from six to eight games, as the current personal conduct policy lists a baseline unpaid suspension of six games for a family violence violation.

If Jacobs does miss time, how does that impact the Packers’ upcoming season and fantasy football?

How Josh Jacobs Suspension Could Influence Packers, Fantasy Football

Jacobs’ absence would be a clear loss, as he totaled 1,329 and 929 rushing yards alongside 4.4 and 4.0 yards per carry in his last two seasons.

Here’s a look at some of the matchups Jacobs could miss, featuring Green Bay’s first eight games of the 2026 season: 

Green Bay Packers Schedule: Week 1 to Week 8

The first eight weeks of the season involve three divisional games. The Packers lacking their top rusher potentially shifts the NFC North race, with the Packers currently carrying the second-shortest payout to win the division (3.22x), per PrizePicks Team Picks.

This stretch also involves a primetime game against a potential playoff team in the Cowboys in Week 6, though the Jets, Falcons, and Buccaneers could all be favorable matchups for Green Bay. 

If Jacobs misses games against the Vikings, Bears, Cowboys, and Lions, that could impact the Packers’ current 1.69x payout to reach 10+ wins on PrizePicks Team Picks.

Furthermore, our attention also turns to fantasy football. Green Bay RB MarShawn Lloyd carries an RB54 average draft position (ADP), per FantasyPros. However, the unofficial depth chart has RB Chris Brooks as RB2. He’s RB79 in PPR (point per reception) rankings as of this writing. 

Following a Jacobs suspension, Lloyd and Brooks would immediately become fantasy football and player pick targets.

Lloyd has made only one appearance since 2024, totaling 6 rushing attempts for 15 rushing yards (2.5 yards per carry) in the contest. Brooks has the more trustworthy volume, appearing in games the last three seasons. In fact, he played in 15 and 17 contests with the Packers since
2024. 

Green Bay posted a 47.7% rush-play rate (fifth-highest) last season, showcasing the potential volume up for grabs if Jacobs is out.

For now, keep a close eye on the latest Josh Jacobs suspension updates. If the NFL announces a suspension, eyes will likely turn to Lloyd and Brooks to fill the void.

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Make 2026 NFL Predictions on PrizePicks

The Packers could be operating without their starting running back for several games to open the 2026 season. If that’s the case, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks would likely be next up in the backfield.

The NFL regular season begins on September 9, and users can make NFL predictions for the upcoming 2026 season, such as the Super Bowl winner, divisional winners, and win totals, on PrizePicks Team Picks—available in 36 states!

Stay locked in on Playbook for daily NFL news as the 2026 regular season approaches.