Packers GM Confident in Running Back Depth Amid Jacobs Uncertainty

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst voiced strong confidence Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in the team's running back depth, addressing contingency plans should starter Josh Jacobs face a potential league suspension under the personal conduct policy.

Jacobs was arrested in May on domestic abuse charges and subsequently released by police without formal charges filed yet. However, an NFL discipline remains possible, leaving Green Bay to prepare its backfield for any regular-season absence.

Addressing reporters regarding the backfield, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst outlined the organization's mindset regarding potential discipline.

"I'm pretty confident we can sustain it," Gutekunst said. "That doesn't mean we wouldn’t do that, but yeah, we’ll deal with that when that comes. But we’ve obviously been prepared for that in case that happens. At the same time, I feel really good about the guys we got in that room, and I think we can survive that and kill it."

Gutekunst noted that the front office remains flexible with its roster construction, pointing to practice squad elevations as a viable option.

"Again, we’ll deal with that if that transpires," Gutekunst added. "You’re usually going to keep three or four running backs. And I think we have enough to do that.

But again, it comes down to choices and trying to figure that out. And the one thing particularly at that position is elevating a guy from the practice squad. I don’t want to say it’s easy to do, but it’s something we’ve done in the past and not something that we’d shy away from."

Beyond Jacobs, who recently returned to practice from a groin injury, the Packers rely on third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd, who has stayed healthy throughout the offseason. Third-down specialist Chris Brooks also contributes key pass protection, while Pierre Strong Jr. has made strong cases on special teams, including a 68-yard kickoff return against Denver.

Coaches have praised Strong's versatility and dynamic potential in space.

"He’s one of those guys that’s more of a speed guy and use him in space [and can] make things happen in the pass game," Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans said. "So, his addition, bringing him along was kind of to give us that phase of it, because he’ll be good enough in our outsize-zone stuff and things in between the tackles. Definitely a really good and great addition for us from that standpoint."

Praise for Lloyd's physical performance has also emerged from within the defensive backfield during camp.

"I feel like a lot of people forgot what he is capable of," safety Evan Williams said. "He shows up on a daily basis and puts in the work and is flying a million miles per hour."

Evaluating the final roster cuts, media analyst Bill Huber noted the organizational expectations for the top tier of the running back room.

"Strong’s skill has never been in doubt," Huber wrote. "The 2022 fourth-round pick averaged 5.0 yards per carry during his first three seasons in the league. The big kickoff return against Denver made public what has been evident at practice, where Strong has hit on several cutback runs.

A combo of Skyy Moore and Strong could provide an electric kickoff-return unit. Plus, Strong would provide insurance in the backfield."

Huber highlighted the primary obstacle facing backup runners seeking a roster spot.

"The Packers will roll with Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks on their roster," Huber continued. "Strong is explosive with the ball in his hands but the Packers want the ball in the hands of Jacobs and Lloyd."

The Packers face mandatory roster cutdowns by the end of the weekend as the league review into Jacobs' off-field matter remains ongoing.