The NFL is still determining whether to suspend Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs following an alleged domestic violence dispute in May.
Nothing is imminent, yet Jacobs could be subject to discipline by the league regardless of how the legal system plays out. He's been charged with misdemeanors of battery and criminal property damage (per ESPN's Adam Schefter).
But — right or not — until a verdict is reached, Jacobs remains atop the Packers' depth chart and locked into a massive workload. He's been present throughout training camp and partaking in practice business as usual, albeit hampered by a groin issue.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was recently asked about the club's faith in the in-house solutions to step up if Jacobs is suspended. And by the sound of it, there's a good amount of belief in the group already in the building:
"I'm pretty confident we can sustain [a Jacobs suspension]," Gutekunst told reporters. "We'll deal with that when that comes, but we've obviously been preparing in case that happens. At the same time, I feel really good about the guys we got in that room, and I think we could survive that."
Many will take those comments as a vote of confidence in MarShawn Lloyd. The 2024 third-round pick is finally healthy following an injury-marred first two campaigns and looks ready to make an impact. Naturally, and understandably, he's commanded much of the attention in the Packers' backfield.
However, reading between the lines, Gutekunst's message feels more like an endorsement of the guys a bit lower on the totem pole, namely Pierre Strong Jr.
Brian Gutekunst opens the door for Pierre Strong Jr. to be part of Packers' plans in 2026
Strong latched onto Green Bay's practice squad early in 2025 after being waived by the Cleveland Browns. The Packers brought him back on a reserve/future contract in January, and he appears to be making the most of the opportunity.
A highlight-reel 68-yard kick return in the Packers' 33-13 blowout preseason win over the Denver Broncos will be the main talking point. Strong proved more than capable as a runner, though, posting 37 yards on eight carries to the tune of a solid 4.6 yards per attempt.
Not only did Strong showcase explosiveness against the Broncos, but he also displayed a high level of physicality. Per Pro Football Focus ($), 29 of his yards came after contact; Green Bay might have an unheralded version of Jacobs at home.
Make no mistake, Lloyd's slated for a sizable role as the first man up behind Jacobs. The former is certainly talented enough to become the starter eventually, regardless of the latter's presence.
Nevertheless, Strong's arrow is pointing up. At this rate, Gutekunst may need to make room for the 2022 fourth-round pick on the 53-man team instead of hoping he clears waivers.
For what it's worth, Gutekunst didn't entirely dismiss keeping an extra back on the final roster. He also didn't rule out elevating someone from the practice squad if needed, mentioning that the Packers have taken that approach in the past. Strong notably hasn't gotten a taste of regular-season action since 2024.
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