Packers linked to Titans RB as insurance in case of bad news on Josh Jacobs

Matt LaFleur’s patience with the Green Bay Packers’ backfield ran out near the Tampa Bay goal line. Two of his running backs fumbled in a four-play span Sunday, and the head coach delivered a warning afterward: “If guys don’t start holding onto the ball, they’re going to be sitting on the bench.” It is the biggest hole on offense for a 2-2 team.

CBS Sports thinks the fix could come from Nashville. Its list of trade-deadline candidates named Green Bay a landing spot for Tennessee Titans running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, both on expiring contracts with a 0-4 team. It asked whether the Packers might “double-dip in the RB trade market” after acquiring Kaleb Johnson from Pittsburgh in August.

Where things stand with Josh Jacobs

The answer depends on Josh Jacobs. The NFL placed him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Aug. 30 after he was charged with two misdemeanors stemming from a May incident, and he has not practiced or played since. He pleaded no contest on Sept. 10, and the league has not announced a decision under its personal conduct policy. General manager Brian Gutekunst said on Sept. 1 that whether Jacobs plays this season is “to be seen” and added that “we’re going to let this process play out, and we’ll be prepared either way.”

Prepared has looked rough so far. Green Bay ranks last in the NFL in rushing attempts and rushing yards and has not scored on the ground. MarShawn Lloyd is averaging 2.7 yards per carry, Lloyd and Johnson have two fumbles apiece, and Chris Brooks missed practice Thursday with an ankle injury.

Pollard is the bigger swing. He has topped 1,000 rushing yards four years in a row, and his 73.6 rushing grade from PFF ranks 11th among running backs. Roughly $3.4 million of his $6.74 million base salary would remain at the deadline, against about $9 million in Packers cap space. Spears is the cheaper option at a $3.67 million salary, though he has missed nine games over the past two seasons.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has said Pollard “might be the first call” for a team that needs running back help. The Bears visit Lambeau Field on Sunday, and another afternoon of loose footballs would make that call easier to place.