LaFleur: 'Fully anticipate' Josh Jacobs being on Packers' roster amid charges

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he "fully anticipates" running back Josh Jacobs remaining on Green Bay's roster, even as the team waits for the legal process to play out on the misdemeanor charges filed against the veteran back this week.

Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property — both misdemeanors — by the Brown County (Wisconsin) District Attorney. He was originally arrested May 26 on five counts, including one felony, but formal charges were not filed until Thursday. According to the criminal complaint, Jacobs grabbed a woman and threw her to the ground, and she struck her head during an incident at his home near Green Bay on May 23. Jacobs has an initial court appearance set for Nov. 17.

"You've got to let everything play out," LaFleur said. "But I anticipate him being a member of our football team." An NFL spokesperson said Thursday that the matter "remains under review," and the league is not required to wait for the legal process to conclude before deciding on any discipline — meaning the Packers could have to prepare to open the season without Jacobs if a suspension is levied.

"I can't really comment on that because I don't know," LaFleur added. Green Bay opens the regular season Sept. 13 at the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs was one of 37 Packers not in uniform for Friday's 42-38 preseason-finale win over the Arizona Cardinals, but that was because LaFleur rested most of his starters rather than anything tied to the legal situation.