Green Bay Retains Jacobs as Abuse Review Continues

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Monday that the team will retain running back Josh Jacobs despite the emergence of new allegations. These claims describe physical and verbal abuse by Jacobs against multiple women years before his May arrest.

The organization learned of the previous claims only after the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department released records last week. Those documents indicated that three women contacted authorities following Jacobs' May 23 detention at his home near Green Bay. LaFleur stated the team expects Jacobs to remain a member moving forward while the NFL completes its internal review.

Jacobs' legal team pushed back on the timing of the disclosure. In a statement released Sunday, his attorneys labeled the prior claims as unsupported and stale. This response came two days after the police department made the case files public. Jacobs pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in September, resulting in a $1,000 fine for battery and a deferred judgment for property damage.

The Packers allowed Jacobs to return to the field in Week 7 after his removal from the commissioner exempt list. He has since played in two games. His six games on the exempt list will count toward any potential suspension the league may impose. LaFleur said the club is letting the NFL process play out without offering further explanation for its decision.

A specific incident drew attention during Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers. Jacobs performed a touchdown celebration by placing his hands behind his back. LaFleur discussed the gesture with Jacobs afterward. The player explained the move was an homage to the gospel song Break Every Chain and was unrelated to his legal situation. LaFleur noted he was unaware of the symbolism until watching game footage.

Jacobs' return has not altered the statistical output of the Green Bay ground game. The team holds the NFL's worst rushing offense. In his last two appearances, Jacobs recorded 32 carries for 75 yards and one rushing touchdown. He also caught 11 passes for 68 yards and two receiving touchdowns.