Matt LaFleur defends Josh Jacobs: "I know the character of the guy"

Published September 11, 2026 02:07 PM Packers running back Josh Jacobs will miss the first game of the season, and likely at least five more, after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. His head coach remains in his corner.Asked on Friday if the development changes his opinion of Jacobs, coach Matt LaFleur said it does not.“Well, yeah, because I know the guy, and I know the character of the guy, so I’ve said it many times,” LaFleur told reporters. “And unfortunately, situations occur in life and it’s just an unfortunate situation.”LaFleur then was asked about the rationale for keeping Jacobs on the roster, given his plea.“Yeah, I’m not, guys — I’m not gonna get into any of this until the league completes their investigation,” LaFleur said. Hovering over the situation is the video that became part of the case. Depending on what it shows, the Packers may have to change their position on Jacobs. (At last word, the team hadn’t seen it.)And here’s the real rationale for keeping him on the roster, for now. He’s their best option at tailback. If he was at the bottom of the depth chart, he’d already be gone.