Uncertainty Remains in Packers Running Back Room

Since the news dropping that Josh Jacobs would be placed on the commissioners exempt list, there has been a scramble to find a solution at running back. Now, with Jacobs’ trial moved up from November to next week, uncertainty remains in the Packers running back room.

Shortly after the news that Jacobs would be placed on the commissioners exempt list, general manager Brian Gutekunst wasted no time to find a replacement for Jacobs. The Packers sent a 6th rounder to the Steelers for running back Kaleb Johnson.

With Jacobs on the commissioners exempt list, he is unable to officially be a part of the Packers initial 53-man roster. Additionally, the only other running back on the roster besides Chris Brooks is MarShawn Lloyd, who has never proven that he can stay healthy.

Jacobs’ attorney had this to say about the situation, “Josh Jacobs has been placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, which is an administrative procedure used by the NFL while a matter is being reviewed. It is not a final determination…”

Kaleb Johnson was a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft out of Iowa. During his last year at Iowa, Johnson carried the ball 240 times for 1,573 yards and 30 touchdowns. An impressive last year for his college career.

Johnson even earned All-American honors after his stellar performance that year. With this addition, the Packers had to release Pierre Strong Jr.