It seems like Josh Jacobs is having an up-and-down start to the 2024 season after signing a major contract with the Green Bay Packers.
Despite putting up solid yardage—329 rushing and 52 receiving yards—his lack of touchdowns through four games stands out. His workload has also fluctuated, from a heavy 32-carry game to just 13 touches in the recent loss to the Vikings. On top of that, Jacobs is dealing with a $45,020 fine for an unnecessary roughness penalty, which he’s appealing. It’ll be interesting to see how he navigates both his on-field performance and the off-field issues as the season progresses.
Josh Jacobs’ $45,020 fine for unnecessary roughness in Week 3 has garnered attention due to the NFL’s previous warnings about safety violations. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, this fine marks Jacobs’ first since the league cautioned him and other players before the season that repeated safety infractions could lead to suspensions. Jacobs was fined twice in 2023 for similar helmet-use violations, but one fine was rescinded and the other reduced. His appeal of this latest fine will likely focus on avoiding further repercussions, such as a possible suspension.
It’ll be key for him to manage this situation, especially as he’s a critical piece of the Packers’ offense this season.
Josh Jacobs is appealing his $45,020 fine — his first since the NFL warned him and a short list of other players before the season that future safety violations could lead to a suspension.
Jacobs was fined twice for use of helmet in 2023; one was rescinded and the other reduced. https://t.co/L1RZ5V4BYK
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 29, 2024
According to Tom Pelissero’s post on X, Josh Jacobs was among the players who received a direct warning from the NFL about potential safety violations heading into the 2024 season. This warning aligns with a Sept. 8 report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which revealed that the NFL sent a memo to over 20 players and their teams, emphasizing the importance of safety and sportsmanship. The memo also warned that future violations could result in suspensions. Additionally, Schefter mentioned the NFL’s reinstatement of its club remittance policy, meaning teams could now face fines for players suspended due to safety violations, personal conduct issues, or drug-related offenses.
This adds another layer of pressure on Jacobs, as both he and his team are now held accountable under the league’s stricter enforcement policies.
Josh Jacobs, 26, was a first-round pick in 2019 and has now been fined three times in his six-year NFL career, pending the outcome of his current appeal. His previous fines came in 2023 with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was penalized $21,855 in back-to-back weeks for improper use of his helmet. If the NFL upholds this recent $45,020 fine for a similar infraction, Jacobs will face a looming threat of suspension. This could result in him missing one or more games, which would be a significant blow to the Green Bay Packers, given his critical role in their offense.
