The Green Bay Packers have taken steps to protect their running back position after Josh Jacobs was placed on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List. Green Bay acquired running back Kaleb Johnson from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round draft pick.
Jacobs' situation became one of the biggest storylines around Green Bay after the running back was charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property related to an incident that occurred in May. The NFL placed him on the list Sunday, Aug. 30, preventing him from practicing or attending games while the matter is under review. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
What does the Commissioner Exempt List mean?
Josh Jacobs' placement on the Commissioner Exempt List is an administrative measure used by the NFL while the league reviews the case. It does not represent a final determination regarding his situation.
While on the list, Jacobs cannot practice with the Packers or participate in games. His attorneys said the procedure is not a final determination and that the player respects the NFL's process. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
The uncertainty is particularly important because Green Bay is scheduled to open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Why did the Packers acquire Kaleb Johnson?
The answer is directly connected to the uncertainty surrounding Jacobs. Green Bay needs enough options in the backfield while there is no clarity about the availability of its starting running back.
Kaleb Johnson arrives from Pittsburgh after a difficult rookie season. The Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he recorded only 28 carries for 69 yards over 10 games during his first season.
He now gets a fresh opportunity in Green Bay's offense. The trade gives the Packers another running back with a different skill set and provides additional depth for whatever develops with Jacobs. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Green Bay's running back situation
Before Johnson arrived, the depth behind Jacobs was primarily made up of MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks, along with Pierre Strong.
Lloyd has talent, but injuries have significantly limited his availability. According to NFL.com, he played only one game over the previous two seasons, making additional depth at the position important for Green Bay.
Johnson gives the Packers another option and prevents the team from relying entirely on Lloyd if Jacobs is unavailable to start the season.
Will Josh Jacobs remain with the Packers?
For now, Green Bay has not indicated that it plans to release Jacobs. Before the NFL placed him on the Commissioner Exempt List, head coach Matt LaFleur said he expected the running back to remain a member of the team.
However, LaFleur acknowledged that he could not comment on Jacobs' availability for the season opener because he did not know what his status would be. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Jacobs is under contract with the Packers through the 2027 season and is coming off a campaign in which he rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns. The previous season, he produced 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns while earning his third Pro Bowl selection. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
How important could Kaleb Johnson become?
Johnson is not necessarily arriving as a direct replacement for Jacobs. His addition is primarily a precautionary move in response to a situation that remains unresolved.
His opportunity could grow considerably if Jacobs cannot play during the opening weeks. Green Bay would then have to divide the workload among Johnson, Lloyd, Strong and Brooks.
The running back will also need to adjust quickly to a new team and offensive system. His role in Pittsburgh was limited, so the Packers must determine how he can contribute from the beginning.
What happens next for Josh Jacobs?
The NFL continues to review the case, and there is no public date for Jacobs' potential return.
What is clear is that the situation already has football consequences. Jacobs cannot practice or attend games while on the Commissioner Exempt List, and Green Bay has responded by adding depth to its backfield.
Jacobs' legal situation should also be distinguished from any football decision. The charges are part of a process that must proceed, while the NFL conducts its own review.
For the Packers, the immediate goal is to be prepared to start the season regardless of how long Jacobs remains unavailable.
The acquisition of Kaleb Johnson does not mean Green Bay has decided to move on from its star running back. It means the team is preparing for uncertainty that could directly affect its offense. For now, Jacobs cannot participate with the Packers, while Johnson has a new opportunity to earn a significant role in Green Bay. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}