RADIO
MarShawn Lloyd is "Certainly" the No. 1 Running Back in Green Bay
A rash of injuries has limited Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd to only one game since being drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but his return to health could not have come at a better time. Starting running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List on Sunday after being formally charged with two misdemeanor counts stemming from his May arrest, and with the roster being trimmed down to 53 players on the same day, the Packers are poised to enter the season with Lloyd as the number one running back. He will be backed up by Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson, who was acquired via trade on cutdown day and could take some time to get up to speed in a new offense. Lloyd has looked sharp throughout training camp and the preseason, and if he can stay healthy to begin the year, he has RB1 upside in Matt LaFleur's run-heavy offense, with Jacobs' return date entirely in the hands of Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Source: Matt Schnedman
Source: Matt Schnedman
Micah Parsons Placed on PUP List, Out Four Games
Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons (knee) has been moved to the reserve/PUP list, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. As a result, Parsons will miss the first four games of the regular season, although it has been widely reported that he's targeting Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys for his return, barring a setback. Parsons is working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 15 of the 2025 season, just a couple of months after being traded from Dallas to Green Bay. Across 14 games last year, he amassed 41 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Now 27, Parsons will offer a major boost to the Packers' defense in a competitive NFC North once he's healthy enough to play. Brenton Cox and Barryn Sorrell are early candidates to earn more defensive snaps in his absence.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
MarShawn Lloyd Poised to Begin Season as Green Bay's Lead Running Back
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd went from an interesting late-round stash to a potential Week 1 starter in a matter of hours. The NFL placed Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List on Sunday, which means he cannot practice or attend games while he remains there. Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports that Green Bay will now rely on Lloyd as its No. 1 running back with Jacobs sidelined. Lloyd had already spent August making a case for more work. He started the preseason opener with Jacobs out, then caught an 11-yard touchdown from Jordan Love while working with the first-team offense against Denver. There is still competition. Green Bay acquired Kaleb Johnson from Pittsburgh on Sunday, and Chris Brooks remains in the mix, but neither changes the fact that Lloyd is first in line right now. The 25-year-old has played only one regular-season game through two NFL seasons because of injuries, so durability is impossible to ignore. Still, the opportunity has changed fast. Lloyd is now poised to open the season as Green Bay's lead back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J. Michael Sturdivant Earns Spot on Packers' 53-Man Roster
Green Bay Packers wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant has earned a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster, according to Rob Demovsky. The undrafted rookie made his biggest push at exactly the right time. Sturdivant caught six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason finale against Arizona, giving him nine receptions for a team-high 142 yards over three preseason games. Green Bay had several receivers fighting for the final spots, with Isaiah Neyor, Will Sheppard, Kisean Johnson and Kaden Prather among those released Sunday. Sturdivant came to the Packers in May after stops at Cal, UCLA and Florida, finishing his college career with 150 catches for 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns. There isn't an obvious path to regular fantasy production in Green Bay's crowded receiver room, but Sturdivant did enough throughout August to turn an undrafted free-agent deal into a place on the opening roster.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Josh Jacobs Placed on Commissioner's Exempt List
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Jacobs was formally charged last week with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from his May arrest. He had originally been arrested and booked on five counts, including felony strangulation and suffocation, before prosecutors ultimately filed the two misdemeanors. Jacobs' legal team has said the allegations will be addressed in court. While on the exempt list, the 28-year-old cannot practice or attend games, and there is no set date for his return. The timing makes Green Bay's Sunday trade for former Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson even more notable. Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season, so there is a significant workload suddenly up for grabs. MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and Johnson all become names to watch while Jacobs is unavailable.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
MarShawn Lloyd Facing Potential Competition for No. 2 Role
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd suddenly has another back to deal with. Green Bay acquired Kaleb Johnson from Pittsburgh on Sunday, a move that comes just days after general manager Brian Gutekunst said the team had been preparing for the possibility of a Josh Jacobs suspension. Lloyd had been moving in the other direction before the trade. He started the preseason opener with Jacobs sidelined, worked extensively with the first-team offense and caught an 11-yard touchdown from Jordan Love against Denver. RotoBaller also noted on Aug. 27 that Lloyd appeared to have the inside track on the No. 2 job, with a path to lead-back work if Jacobs misses time. Johnson is no lock to change that. The 2025 third-round pick rushed for only 69 yards as a rookie and was on Pittsburgh's roster bubble before being dealt. Still, the Packers didn't add him for nothing. Lloyd's opportunity remains interesting, especially with Jacobs facing possible NFL discipline, but there is now another player who could push for those backup touches.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaleb Johnson Traded to Packers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are trading running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers, according to Jeremy Fowler. The move comes with some uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs, who was formally charged with two misdemeanors Thursday and could still face discipline from the NFL. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said earlier this week that the team had been preparing for the possibility of a Jacobs suspension, although there has been no indication that the Johnson trade was made specifically because of that situation. Johnson moves on after a quiet rookie season in Pittsburgh, where the 2025 third-round pick managed just 69 yards on 28 carries in 10 games. He was much more productive during his final season at Iowa, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. Green Bay already has Chris Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr. behind Jacobs, so Johnson isn't guaranteed a meaningful role. Adding another back now, though, gives the Packers more insurance while Jacobs' Week 1 availability remains unsettled.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Dolphins Acquire Quarterback Kyle McCord From the Packers
The Miami Dolphins acquired quarterback Kyle McCord from the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move comes after the Dolphins sent QB Quinn Ewers to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday and waived Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski. The 23-year-old McCord, a sixth-round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025 from Syracuse, will become the primary backup to another former Packers QB, Malik Willis. McCord has yet to take a snap in the NFL in a regular-season game, but he did look good in the preseason with Green Bay, throwing for 446 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in three games played. With the move to South Beach, McCord is now one step away from becoming a starter in the NFL if Willis misses time with an injury.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Packers "Fully Anticipate" Josh Jacobs Will Remain on Roster
One day after Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was formally charged with two misdemeanors stemming from an alleged incident that led to his arrest in May, head coach Matt LaFleur addressed his standing with the team. "Well, I fully anticipate him being a member of our team," LaFleur told the media on Friday. "You've got to let everything play out," he continued. "But I anticipate him being a member of our football team." Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property, and the NFL does not need to wait for the legal process to play out before deciding whether to suspend him, with a league spokesperson saying on Wednesday that his case "remains under review." When healthy and available, Jacobs is one of the biggest fantasy difference-makers at the position, but uncertainty around his situation has pushed him to RB16 by current ADP.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
J. Michael Sturdivant Posts 112 Yards, Score in Packers' Win
Green Bay Packers wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant posted a quality receiving line for the Packers in their final preseason tune-up at Lambeau Field on Friday night, a 42-38 win over the Arizona Cardinals. While the Packers didn't play any player who is locked into the 53-man roster on offense besides maybe Bo Melton, J. Michael Sturdivant has been excellent when he's gotten on the field this preseason. An undrafted free agent from Florida, Sturdivant caught 6-of-7 passes from Kyle McCord and turned those six catches into 112 receiving yards and a 29-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. If the Packers keep seven wide receivers on their 53-man roster, Sturdivant will be the one kept as he's been excellent throughout the offseason and is learning some special teams roles on the team as well. Sturdivant is worth an end-of-bench flier in dynasty leagues in case he makes the Packers' 53-man roster or latches on elsewhere, as his play has earned him that over the last month.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
MarShawn Lloyd Surging Up Draft Boards With Path to Starting Role
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd is currently surging up fantasy football draft boards ahead of the 2026 season, even though he has only appeared in one game with the Packers due to injuries since being drafted in the third round in 2024 out of USC. Lloyd has also been rising up RotoBaller's RB rankings for the upcoming season now that there is a real possibility that he could open the 2026 regular season as the Packers' starting running back in light of Josh Jacobs' (groin) legal issues. Jacobs was formally charged on Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property for an incident that occurred back in late May. Packers brass admitted on Wednesday that they are preparing for the possibility that Jacobs is suspended by the NFL. Chris Brooks would be Lloyd's only competition for lead-back duties if Jacobs were to miss games in 2026. Although Lloyd has not been able to stay on the field early in his NFL career, the Packers still believe in his abilities. His speed and athleticism will make him very intriguing as a fantasy starter if Jacobs is suspended.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Josh Jacobs to Appear in Court in November
Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Nov. 17 after he was charged on Thursday with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The charges have come more than three months after Jacobs was arrested following an alleged domestic-violence incident at his home near Green Bay. Jacobs is subject to a suspension by the NFL, which is conducting its own investigation. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that the organization is preparing for a potential suspension and is keeping the door open to potentially adding another RB before the start of the 2026 regular season to boost their backfield depth behind MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. The team also has Pierre Strong Jr. in their RB room. It's beginning to look more likely that Jacobs will face a suspension to begin the 2026 campaign, which makes him harder to get behind as an RB2 target in upcoming fantasy drafts, despite his status as Green Bay's RB1 and his nose for the end zone (28 rushing touchdowns the last two years and four double-digit rushing TD seasons in his seven NFL campaigns).
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Josh Jacobs Formally Charged With Two Misdemeanors
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has formally been charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property stemming from his May arrest, according to Ari Meirov. Jacobs was booked in May on five recommended charges, including felony strangulation and suffocation, but prosecutors did not file charges at the time while the investigation remained open. The new filing contains only the two misdemeanors. Jacobs has denied the allegations through his attorneys. Green Bay was already preparing for the possibility of an NFL suspension before Thursday's charging decision, with general manager Brian Gutekunst saying Wednesday the team had planned for that scenario. The NFL has not announced any discipline or roster move involving Jacobs. He rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season and remains atop a backfield that currently lists Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd behind him. Jacobs' fantasy availability now carries more uncertainty until the league decides whether to take action.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Tucker Kraft Could Have Competition for Targets in 2026
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) tore his ACL in Week 9 last year against the Carolina Panthers, halting what was looking like a true breakout year for the former third-rounder from South Dakota State. Despite coming off a major knee injury, fantasy managers have not been shy about drafting him as a top-five player at his position for 2026, especially after he avoided landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp this summer. The 25-year-old caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games a year ago, and he has 13 total touchdowns the last two seasons, making him a popular breakout candidate again this year. However, the argument for Kraft being a clear top-five TE might have taken a bit of a hit with Green Bay's signing of former Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith on Thursday. Kraft will be the Packers' unquestioned top pass-catching tight end if he is healthy, but Smith's presence could create target competition that could prevent him from reaching his true fantasy ceiling. Two years ago with the Miami Dolphins, Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Packers Signing Tight End Jonnu Smith to One-Year Deal
The Green Bay Packers are signing former Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz. Smith is one of the league's most respected veterans, and he has recorded 345 career catches and 30 touchdowns in his nine years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers will be Smith's fourth different team in the last four years. The former third-rounder in 2017 by the Titans out of Florida International had a career year in Miami in 2024, catching 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games, but he cratered to a 38-222-2 line in 17 regular-season games last year in Pittsburgh while sharing work with Pat Freiermuth. With Luke Musgrave (neck) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the 31-year-old should become Green Bay's TE2 behind Tucker Kraft (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL last year. Smith is unlikely to have standalone fantasy value with the Packers unless Kraft misses more time with an injury, but his presence is not great news for Kraft's potential breakout in 2026.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
