Packers' Kaleb Johnson Trade Gains Importance as Josh Jacobs is Placed on Exempt List

The Green Bay Packers' running back Josh Jacobs is unlikely to participate in the upcoming Week 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings after being placed on the commissioner's exempt list. This decision, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, means Jacobs will be on paid leave and cannot practice or attend games while the league reviews his legal issues.

Jacobs was charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property following an arrest in May. In response to this situation, the Packers recently traded a 2028 sixth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for running back Kaleb Johnson, who may now have an increased role in the team's offense.

Johnson, who struggled during his rookie season with the Steelers, rushed for only 69 yards on 28 carries. However, he had a standout college career at Iowa, where he ranked seventh nationally in rushing yards in 2024. The Packers are hopeful that Johnson can leverage his skills under head coach Matt LaFleur's offensive system, especially if Jacobs is out for an extended period.