Why is Josh Jacobs’ Packers future suddenly uncertain? The RB’s legal trouble puts Matt LaFleur in a difficult spot

Josh Jacobs’ future with the Green Bay Packers has taken another turn. The running back pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges in Wisconsin on Thursday, September 10, but Matt LaFleur says his view of Jacobs has not changed.The Packers coach also made it clear that the team will wait for the NFL to finish its investigation before making any decision about Jacobs. For now, the 28-year-old remains on the Commissioner’s Exempt List and cannot play or practice. Why is Matt LaFleur standing by Josh Jacobs despite the legal case?LaFleur addressed Jacobs’ situation ahead of the Packers’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. When reporters asked whether his opinion of Jacobs had changed, the Packers coach gave a blunt answer.“No,” LaFleur said while speaking to reporters. He then pointed to his relationship with Jacobs and his view of the running back’s character.“I know the guy, and I know the character of the guy. … Unfortunately, situations occur in life, and it’s just an unfortunate situation.”LaFleur did not stop there. When reporters asked why Green Bay would keep Jacobs on the roster if he is found guilty, he refused to speculate.“I’m not gonna get into any of this until the league completes their investigation,” LaFleur said during the same media session.That leaves the Packers in a holding pattern. Green Bay has not released Jacobs, while general manager Brian Gutekunst also said the team hopes he can play this season.“I think that’s to be seen,” Gutekunst said while discussing Jacobs’ 2026 status. “Certainly hopeful that he will, and certainly would expect that, but we’re gonna let that process play out.”Could Josh Jacobs still miss games despite his no-contest plea?Jacobs pleaded no contest on September 10 to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property charges. The agreement gave him a $1,000 fine and court-ordered conditions for the battery charges. The criminal-damage charge received a 12-month deferred disposition and could get dismissed if Jacobs meets the conditions.Those conditions include avoiding contact with the victim, attending counseling, paying restitution and staying out of trouble. Jacobs also remains under criminal-justice supervision.“I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility,” Jacobs said, per ESPN, following the plea.However, the end of the criminal case does not end the NFL’s review. The league placed Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List in August while it investigates under its personal-conduct policy.The NFL confirmed on September 10 that there had been no change to Jacobs’ status. He cannot practice or play, although he can receive his salary and use team facilities with Green Bay’s permission.Jacobs was arrested on May 26 after police investigated a disturbance involving him and his girlfriend at his Wisconsin home. Prosecutors later filed only the two misdemeanor charges.Now, the NFL has the next call. A suspension remains possible, but the league has not announced one. Therefore, despite LaFleur’s public support, Josh Jacobs’ 2026 season still depends on the outcome of the NFL investigation.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.