NFL Disciplinary Timeline Accelerates: Josh Jacobs' Court Date Rescheduled to Week 1 While Puka Nacua Avoids Exempt List
The NFL's enforcement of its Personal Conduct Policy has taken a dynamic turn as the 2026 regular season kicks off. While Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs remains sidelined on the Commissioner's Exempt List, his legal timeline has been dramatically accelerated. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has managed to avoid the Exempt List for the start of the regular season, though his case remains under league review.
Josh Jacobs' Legal Hearing Rescheduled to Week 1
In a surprising development, the initial court appearance for Josh Jacobs in Brown County, Wisconsin, has been moved up by more than two months. Initially scheduled for November 17, the hearing is now set for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. Jacobs faces misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property stemming from an offseason domestic incident.
According to Fox 11 News:
"The initial court appearance for Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been moved from Nov. 17 to Sept. 10, court records show -- although he likely won't appear in court for that hearing."
While Jacobs' attorneys have filed authorization to appear on his behalf so he does not have to attend in person, the expedited court date could help accelerate the NFL's review process and potentially shorten his stay on the Commissioner's Exempt List, which currently prevents him from practicing or attending games with the Packers.
Puka Nacua Avoids Exempt List to Open Season
Conversely, Los Angeles Rams standout receiver Puka Nacua has avoided being placed on paid administrative leave. Despite facing intense scrutiny over civil lawsuit allegations of abuse from his ex-girlfriend, the NFL chose not to place Nacua on the Commissioner's Exempt List ahead of Week 1.
As reported by the Deseret News:
"Notably, Nacua managed to avoid being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list Sunday, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero."
While Nacua is cleared to play in the Rams' season opener, his status remains precarious. The NFL's investigation under the Personal Conduct Policy is still active, and the league reserves the right to issue a suspension or other disciplinary action once its review is finalized.