Packers GM ‘Certainly Would Expect’ Josh Jacobs Back In 2026

Gutekunst expects Jacobs to play in 2026

Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list Sunday, which means he cannot practice or attend games.

Jacobs faces two misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident at his home on May 23, 2026.

Gutekunst was asked if he expects Jacobs to play for Green Bay this season?

“I think that’s to be seen,” Gutekunst said. “But like, I’m certainly hopeful that he will, and certainly would expect that. But we’re going to let this process play out, and we’ll be prepared either way.

Gutekunst was also asked if there’s a scenario the Packers would release Jacobs?

“Yeah, I mean, I think we’ll let the process play out before we make any kind of those decisions,” he said. “But you know, we’ll see.”

The Brown County District Attorney’s Office said that home surveillance video captured the incident inside the garage. Gutekunst said the Packers have not seen that video.

“Those are legal things going on right now, so we’ll let those play out,” Gutekunst said. “You know that’s really not for us. But in the appropriate times, if those things become available we’ll figure that stuff out when that time comes.”

No Sweat?

Gutekunst denied speculation and internet rumors that the Packers were trying to trade for Arizona edge rusher Josh Sweat.

The Packers are without star edge rusher Micah Parsons (ACL) until at least mid-October. And Green Bay defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon coached Sweat in Arizona.

The Cardinals were also in Green Bay last week for a joint practice and the third preseason game of the summer. But Gutekunst said there were no trade talks regarding Sweat

“No one from our organization has had a conversation about Josh Sweat with anybody from Arizona,” Gutekunst said. “It’s, I don’t know. Some things come out of thin air. Somebody’s making stuff up because that’s never ever happened.”

Parsons update

Green Bay standout edge rusher Micah Parsons began the year on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which requires a four-week mandatory sit-out period.

Gutekunst said when that window closes, Parsons is going to be “pretty close” to returning.

“He’s eager,” Gutekunst said of Parsons. “There’s a new rule this year where we can open their window to practice after the second game. I imagine when that time comes, there’s going to be some conversations about … what he can and can’t do, because he’s going to be really eager to get out there.

“These guys, they want to play. They’re unhappy when they’re not playing. They want to be out there with their teammates, they want to be competing. When there’s an injury or any other reason that they might not be out there, it’s not fun for these guys because they want to be out there. He’s definitely in that category.”

Trading McCord made the most sense

Packers No. 3 quarterback Kyle McCord had a terrific training camp, positing a 102.4 passer rating after completing 46-of-70 passes for 446 yards with four TDs, and no interceptions.

Green Bay traditionally keeps just two quarterbacks, and Jordan Love and Tyrod Taylor were locks to make the roster. The Packers hoped to get McCord through to the practice squad, but his stellar summer made that a virtual impossibility.

So Gutekunst pivoted and traded him to Miami for a 2028 sixth round draft pick.

“I think, obviously, he played so well during the preseason,” Gutekunst said. “We really, we were obviously contemplating do we keep three? Do we try to get him to the practice squad? What’s the likelihood of that?

“When somebody calls you up and starts offering you, talking about a trade, I think the likelihood of you getting him to the practice squad’s probably not strong. But we thought whether it was now or as we headed into the season, it was going to be tough to keep three. So that’s why we made the decision we did.”

The Packers have since added Kedon Slovis to the practice squad.

Confidence in Lloyd

With Jacobs out indefinitely, third-year running back MarShawn Lloyd will get first crack at the job.

Lloyd has played just one game in two seasons due to a bevy of injuries. He also has just six career carries for 15 yards.

Lloyd had a productive — and healthy — summer, though, and figures to be RB1 when Green Bay opens at Minnesota on Sept. 13.

“I think he’s ready,” Gutekunst said. “He’s really eager. He’s a running back in the National Football League. To think he’s not going to get dinged up and have to play through that would be naïve. I think his mind is right and he’s ready to go. We’re excited to see what he can do. Each week he can be out there, you’re going to see a better and better MarShawn.”