News broke Tuesday night that Packers running back Josh Jacobs turned himself in to local authorities and was booked on five charges, including a felony strangulation and suffocation charge. In a statement released through his agent, Jacobs “vehemently denies the allegations.”
The accusations are serious and cast an immediate shadow over the start of Green Bay’s offseason program as OTA’s begin this week. While the legal process is still in its early stages and more information is expected to emerge in the coming weeks, the situation now creates significant uncertainty surrounding one of the Packers locker room leaders.
As the organization awaits further developments, Green Bay must also begin preparing for the possibility of moving forward without its All-Pro running back — whether temporarily or long term.
So where do the Packers go from here?
Earlier this offseason, I wrote about why I believed Green Bay still needed to address the running back position — and why 2026 could realistically end up being Josh Jacobs’ final season with the Packers. I didn’t expect this to be the reason why, but the lack of depth suddenly looks a lot more concerning.
After allowing Emanuel Wilson to walk in free agency and failing to meaningfully address the position during the draft, the Packers now enter camp with more questions than answers. Replacing an All-Pro running back isn’t simple — and in most cases, it’s impossible to truly replicate.
At this point, everything remains speculative until more details emerge. But hindsight in the NFL is always 20/20.
For now, Marshawn Lloyd would likely step into the lead-back role after logging just 10 NFL snaps since being selected in the third round of the 2024 draft. Injuries have completely derailed what once looked like a legitimate NFL-caliber talent, but if Lloyd can finally stay healthy, Green Bay may effectively be adding a fresh top-100 pick to its backfield.
Behind him is Chris Brooks, who quietly developed into one of the better pass-blocking backs on the roster while contributing in limited opportunities last season.
The RB3 spot would likely come down to a training camp battle between Damien Martinez and Pierre Strong Jr.
I’d personally give the edge to Martinez. The former Miami back rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final collegiate season in 2024 and carries a similar physical profile to Jacobs. After being selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Martinez was released by Seattle before eventually landing on Green Bay’s practice squad.
Still, if Jacobs were to face suspension or release, it’s hard to imagine the Packers standing pat.
My guess is Green Bay would look to add a veteran at a relatively low cost.
Arizona suddenly has a crowded running back room after selecting Jeremiah Love third overall in April’s draft. Between Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson, and veteran James Conner, somebody could become expendable.
The dream scenario? Alvin Kamara reconsidering his “retire before a trade” stance and chasing one more legitimate Super Bowl opportunity in Green Bay.
The free-agent market itself isn’t especially appealing this late in the offseason. Players like Zamir White, Nick Chubb, and Tyrion Davis-Price are still searching for a landing spot. Davis-Price also spent time on the Packers’ practice squad last season, making him at least somewhat familiar with the system.
And for what it’s worth, Packers fans have seen this story before.
Back in 2010, Ryan Grant suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the opening game of the season. Brandon Jackson — also wearing No. 32 — ended up leading the team in rushing, while James Starks emerged late with a breakout performance against Philadelphia in the Wild Card round.
That team went on to win the Super Bowl.
Help is Available
Regardless of how this situation unfolds, it’s important to remember the seriousness of domestic violence allegations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Call 800-799-7233 or text 88788.
