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Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Charges
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest on Thursday to misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that Brown County District Attorney David Lasee will not seek jail time for Jacobs, who was arrested in May in a domestic incident. However, Lasee will pursue a conviction on the battery count and will accept a deferred agreement on the criminal damage to property if Jacobs meets five conditions related to his no-contest plea. The Packers placed the 28-year-old RB on the commissioner's exempt list, where he is expected to remain until the legal process plays out. It is unclear if the NFL will then hand down a separate suspension for Jacobs, but he at least will be sidelined for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs' off-the-field legal issues have obviously damaged his fantasy football value quite a bit for the start of the season, but he should remain stashed in all leagues while the legal process plays out. Without Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd is expected to get the first crack at backfield duties in Green Bay, but both Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks could also be involved.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Jordan Love May Have to Carry More of Green Bay's Offense
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love could have more put on his plate than we've seen the past couple of seasons. Josh Jacobs remains unavailable, leaving Green Bay to sort through an unproven group of running backs as the season begins. Love didn't need huge volume to play well last year, completing a career-high 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions on 439 attempts. Fantasy managers have already seen what happens when those attempts climb. Love threw 579 times for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2023, his best fantasy season by far. The receiving group is also in better shape, with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft all off the initial injury report. Love still doesn't give managers much of a rushing floor, and Minnesota isn't an easy opening matchup. This is more about what comes next. If Green Bay can't lean on the running game the way it has recently, Love's fantasy ceiling gets a lot more interesting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft's Contract Talks Could Reset Tight End Market
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft remains in contract talks with the team, and the next deal at the position could be a big one. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Green Bay hopes to get something done by the end of Week 1, with Kraft in position to become the first tight end to reach $20 million per year. George Kittle currently tops the market at $19.1 million annually, just ahead of Trey McBride at $19 million. Kraft is entering the final year of his rookie contract after catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games last season before tearing his ACL against Carolina. He returned from the PUP list on July 31 and worked back into 11-on-11 drills in August. If the two sides can close the gap, Kraft's deal could be the one that finally pushes the tight-end market past $20 million.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tucker Kraft Not on the Week 1 Injury Report
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is not listed on the team's Week 1 injury report as they get set to take on the division-rival Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kraft is ready to roll for the season opener after suffering a season-ending torn ACL last year. There were some reports during training camp this summer that suggested that Kraft could be on a snap count early in the 2026 season, but since he has been practicing in full pads for weeks, that seems unlikely. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft from South Dakota State was among the best at his position last year before getting hurt, catching 32 of his 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games played, and despite coming off a serious knee injury, he is expected to be a top-five option at the TE position in 2026, especially with Packers receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town. Start Kraft with confidence in Week 1 against the Vikings.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Kaleb Johnson Could Play a Role in Week 1 Against Vikings
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson, who was acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers during training camp to help with RB depth in light of the Josh Jacobs (personal) situation, could be a factor immediately in the Week 1 season opener this Sunday versus the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. "Yes. He's done a nice job. It does help there was some carryover not only from when he was at Iowa with Tim Lester but also having Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh," head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Johnson could help this weekend. The 23-year-old from Iowa had a forgettable rookie year in the Steel City in 2025, carrying the ball only 28 times for 69 yards in 10 regular-season games. Now in Green Bay, Johnson has some interesting short-term fantasy value in deeper leagues with Jacobs out for Week 1 and potentially facing an early-season suspension. MarShawn Lloyd is expected to see most of the backfield work out of the gate, but he has only played in one NFL game due to injuries. We are not recommending Johnson as a starting fantasy option in Week 1, but he is worth a waiver-wire flier if you have Jacobs rostered and are looking for more RB depth. Johnson is rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Packers in Wait-and-See Approach With Josh Jacobs
When asked if he hopes that Thursday's initial court appearances in running back Josh Jacobs' case will provide more clarity about his future, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said, "The more clarity, the better, but it's just wait and see." Jacobs is not expected to appear in court on Thursday, but his lawyers will, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Fantasy managers and the Packers are hoping that we will get some clarity on Thursday in terms of a potential suspension for Jacobs, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list. The 28-year-old running back will not be available for the team's Week 1 season opener this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, and it is unclear how much longer he will be out. The uncertainty about Jacobs' status caused his draft stock to plummet, with MarShawn Lloyd now the favorite for lead-back duties in Green Bay in the short term. Jacobs is still rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues and will be the Packers' top RB when he returns, but in the meantime, he must remain on benches everywhere.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Matthew Golden Steps Into Bigger Role in Year 2
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has a much clearer path to playing time entering his second season. Golden was the top breakout choice in a poll of NFL executives and scouts conducted by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler after a quiet rookie year in which he caught 29 passes for 361 yards on 44 targets. One AFC executive questioned why Green Bay didn't use the former first-round pick more and pointed to his speed as a reason for optimism. The opportunity looks different now. Romeo Doubs left in free agency and Dontayvion Wicks was traded to Philadelphia, while Golden is listed with Christian Watson and Jayden Reed among Green Bay's starting receivers. He also flashed in the playoffs, catching four passes for 84 yards and his first NFL touchdown against Chicago. Golden still has to turn the opportunity into production, but the path to a much larger Year 2 role is there.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Marshawn Lloyd Ready to Lead the Packers Backfield
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd is ready to step into the lead-back role for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, despite playing just one game over the last two seasons. Injuries have kept Lloyd sidelined for all but one game throughout his NFL career. However, the Packers are optimistic he'll be able to fill the void left by Josh Jacobs, who was recently placed on the commissioner's exempt list. "[Lloyd is as] ready as he's ever been since he's been here," general manager Brian Gutekunst told Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. "He looks good. He's handling all the physicality, the things that he needs to as a running back." Head coach Matt Lafleur has echoed Gutekunst's optimistic tone, but he also declined to pencil Lloyd into a specific workload. Given that Lloyd has just seven touches as a pro, it's unlikely that he'll occupy an every-down role. In all likelihood, Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks will earn some touches. With that being said, if there's a Green Bay running back to roster, it's Lloyd. He projects as a fringe RB2/RB3 this week and for the duration of Jacobs' absence.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Jordan Love a Must-Add off the Waiver Wire Heading into Week 1
Green Bay Packers 27-year-old quarterback Jordan Love is poised for a stellar season in 2026. With star running back Josh Jacobs facing a potential suspension and currently on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List, the Packers will need to rely on Love to carry this offense, and he should see his passing volume climb. Back in 2023, Love finished as the QB5 in fantasy points per game (19.4), and star receiver Christian Watson is healthy coming into the season to go along with Tucker Kraft (knee), who appears to be on track to return in Week 1. Although Love has struggled the past two seasons from a fantasy standpoint (QB16 and QB18 finishes), it's mostly due to his lack of volume. In 2025, he ranked 19th in pass attempts and 28th in team pass plays per game. Even with that, he was highly efficient, ranking seventh in true passer rating, second in QBR, and seventh in explosive rating and EPA. Love is a must-add on the waiver wire heading into Week 1, as he is being treated like a QB2 but has a clear path to QB1 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Phil Mafah Tries Out for Packers Amid Backfield Uncertainty
Free-agent running back Phil Mafah tried out for the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, per Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com. A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Mafah played in just one game as a rookie and was waived by the Cowboys in late August. While it's not yet clear if he will find his next NFL home in Green Bay, the Packers enter 2026 with significant questions in their backfield. Star Packers back Josh Jacobs is currently on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List due to an offseason arrest, and it's unclear when or if he will be cleared to play. As a result, the team's running back room currently consists of the unproven trio of MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson. The team is reportedly planning to take a committee approach to the backfield early in the year, and the fact that the Packers hosted Mafah on Tuesday could indicate that they do not have great confidence in any of their current options.
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Tommy Yarrish
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Tommy Yarrish
MarShawn Lloyd Listed as RB1 on First Depth Chart
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd was listed as the team's RB1 on their unofficial depth chart going into Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. However, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said on Tuesday that the Packers' backfield will be a committee approach, with Josh Jacobs unavailable early on due to legal issues. With Jacobs out for the foreseeable future while on the commissioner's exempt list, expect Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks to all be involved at the position. Although Lloyd has played in just one NFL game since being drafted in the third round in 2024 from USC, he is the most enticing fantasy back for the Packers as long as Jacobs is away from the team. Between his speed and athleticism, Lloyd has the skills to become an RB2 for fantasy managers if he stands out over both Johnson and Brooks early on. Going into the team's Week 1 matchup against Minnesota, Lloyd should be viewed as an RB3/flex play in just his second NFL game this weekend.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Chris Brooks Has a Real Opening in Green Bay's Backfield
Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks has become a little more interesting with Josh Jacobs unavailable to open the season. The Packers are going with a committee for now, leaving Brooks in a three-man backfield with MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson. Lloyd has the obvious big-play appeal, but Brooks brings something Green Bay already trusts. He has carved out work on passing downs because of his hands and pass protection, which gives him a chance to stick in the rotation even if he isn't getting many early-down carries. Brooks had only 27 rushes for 106 yards last season, though he also caught 13 passes for 91 yards. There isn't enough here to put him into a Week 1 lineup yet. He is rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues and makes the most sense as a stash in 14-team PPR formats. If the committee gives Brooks more passing-game work than expected, there could be something useful here.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers to Deploy a Running Back Committee to Begin the Season
The Green Bay Packers will be without running back Josh Jacobs (personal) to begin the season, as the three-time Pro Bowler was put on the Commissioner's Exempt List in late August, and on Tuesday, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich told reporters the team would use a committee approach to open the year. "It's gonna be running back by committee for a little bit to see where everyone is at." MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson are the three backs on the team's 53-man roster, and while Lloyd has arguably the highest ceiling of the bunch, he has struggled to stay healthy since the team spent a third-round pick on him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Speaking on his skill set, Stenavich told the assembled media, "[Lloyd] definitely has explosive ability, playmaking ability." The Packers open the season in a divisional matchup with the Vikings, and while a committee approach is the last thing fantasy managers were hoping to hear about days before the start of the season, Lloyd's talent should be on display early, keeping him in the Week 1 flex conversation.
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz
Kaleb Johnson Worth Stashing in Deeper Leagues
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson is worth keeping an eye on while Josh Jacobs remains unavailable. The Packers traded a 2028 sixth-round pick for Johnson on Aug. 30 after his quiet rookie season in Pittsburgh, where he managed only 69 yards on 28 carries. The opportunity in Green Bay is better. MarShawn Lloyd should get the first crack at leading the backfield, but Johnson has already worked alongside him with the first-team offense, while Chris Brooks is better suited for passing-down work. Johnson also has some familiarity with Matt LaFleur's system after playing in a similar offense during his final season at Iowa. None of that makes him a Week 1 starter, and RotoBaller currently has him at RB70 for the opener against Minnesota. The waiver outlook is more interesting than the immediate lineup value. RotoBaller recommends Johnson in leagues with 14 or more teams, which fits where things stand. He's a speculative stash with a path to more work if this backfield stays unsettled.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Watson the Primary Beneficiary of Packers' Pass-Heavy Approach
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson should benefit from a new-look offensive game plan this season. With Josh Jacobs (personal) on the commissioner's exempt list and sidelined indefinitely, we expect the Packers to adopt a more pass-heavy approach on offense. Out of all the Packers' wide receivers, Christian Watson should benefit the most, given his existing role atop the depth chart. Last year, despite playing in an offense that ran through Jacobs, Watson managed to catch 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns across just 10 games. He averaged 13.2 full-PPR points per game, and he ranked as the overall WR12 from Weeks 8-17. Staying healthy and on the field will be the biggest factor for Watson, but assuming he clears that hurdle, he has top-15 upside at the wide receiver position. His price tag hasn't quite adjusted to the expectations of this offense sans Jacobs, as he still has an ADP of 64.2 (sixth round). This creates an opportunity for fantasy managers to draft him at a discount.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
