Packers coach Matt LaFleur did not offer any details about star running back Josh Jacobs’ arrest on five charges, including domestic abuse.
“A lot of questions about Josh, I’m gonna stick with the statement that we put out as an organization and just let the process play out,” LaFleur told reporters Wednesday.
LaFleur did not answer questions about whether the team is preparing for the possibility that it could be without its starting tailback or when he expects a resolution.
“I think a lot’s going to happen between now and then,” he said.
Jacobs, 28, was arrested Tuesday in Wisconsin on five charges after turning himself into authorities, according to NFL Network, and his mugshot has since been revealed.
The Hobart-Lawrence Police Department (Wis.) said it had been summoned at 8:37 a.m. Saturday regarding a “disturbance complaint” involving Jacobs.
He is being charged with batter, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, strangulation and suffocation, and intimidation of a victim, according to the department.
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office released a statement Wednesday saying that a final charging decision is to come while it requests additional information, and Jacobs has been released from custody.
Jacobs’ attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, released a statement Tuesday saying the running back “vehemently denies” the allegation and “important” evidence has not been made public yet.
They said in a release Wednesday that they are pleased he has been released and no criminal charges have been filed yet.
“As we previously said, we encourage everyone to keep an open mind while the matter is fully reviewed,” their statement read. “We remain confident that, once all of the evidence is gathered and evaluated, it will confirm that no charges should be brought against Josh in the future.”
The Packers said in a statement Tuesday they are aware of the situation and, like LaFleur, restraining from commenting, while the NFL said it is in contact with Green Bay about the matter.
Jacobs could be facing a potential suspension, depending on what unfolds in the investigation.
La Fleur did say that the team has standards it enforces.
“Always. We always have high standards here, but I think our guys have a done really good job over the course of my time here,” La Fleur said. “(General manager) Brian (Gutekunst) and his staff do a great job of evaluating character and bringing in really good people.”
Jacobs just completed his second season with the Packers and has two years remaining on the four-year, $48 million deal he signed before the 2024 campaign.
He is not owed any guaranteed money.
Should Jacobs miss any time, the Packers are lacking proven options with Chris Brooks, MarShwan Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr. following him on the depth chart.
“I like the guys that we have but certainly you can never have enough,” LaFleur said, “that’s for sure.”
