Could These Seven Veterans Replace Josh Jacobs for the Packers? Iowa's Kaleb Johnson Makes the List

With the Green Bay Packers facing a potential suspension or release of star running back Josh Jacobs following a Memorial Day weekend incident, the team is suddenly looking at a thin depth chart at a critical position. As final roster cuts loom, several veteran running backs could be available via trade or the waiver wire, including a familiar name for Iowa football fans.

The criminal complaint against Jacobs revealed that security camera footage reportedly corroborates portions of the victim's allegations, making his immediate future with the Packers uncertain. With backup MarShawn Lloyd also battling health and production questions, Green Bay may need to act quickly to shore up its backfield.

What happened with Josh Jacobs?

Jacobs has been under investigation since an incident over Memorial Day weekend. According to the criminal complaint, an investigator's report includes a description of video footage recovered from a surveillance system that reportedly supports at least some of the victim's claims.

The Packers have not made a final decision on Jacobs, but the possibility of a suspension or release has become more real as the investigation progresses. This leaves Green Bay with a significant hole at running back just days before the regular season begins.

Seven veteran running backs who could help the Packers

Here are several running backs who could be available, whether via trade or the waiver wire, to help the Packers replace Jacobs.

James Conner, Cardinals

Conner, 31, has been limited to individual drills throughout training camp with a foot injury that cost him most of last season. However, he topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the previous two seasons, including a career-high 1,508 total yards in 2024.

At 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds, Conner would be a physical replacement for Jacobs. His $2.355 million base salary makes him affordable. Packers coach Matt LaFleur called Conner a beast in 2024, saying he is a big, physical back who is more elusive than he leads on.

Braelon Allen, Jets

Allen, a Fond du Lac, Wisconsin native who starred at Wisconsin, is listed behind Breece Hall on the Jets depth chart. At just 22 years old, he rushed for 334 yards as a rookie in 2024 before missing most of last season with a torn MCL.

Allen says he is better, faster and more explosive than ever after intensive rehab. A trade to Green Bay would be a homecoming for the 6-foot-1, 235-pound back.

Tyrone Tracy, Giants

With the Giants adding Najee Harris and Cam Skattebo, Tracy appears to be on the roster bubble. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound back has been productive with 839 rushing yards and 38 receptions in 2024 and 740 rushing yards and 36 receptions in 2025.

Last season against the Packers, Tracy had 139 total yards, one of three games of at least 130 yards.

Kimani Vidal, Chargers

Vidal, a sixth-round pick in 2024, played in 13 games with 10 starts last season, rushing for 643 yards and catching 16 passes. He is listed behind Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell on the depth chart, though Mitchell's injury status could impact Vidal's availability.

Jaylen Wright, Dolphins

Wright, a fourth-round pick in 2024, ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash before the draft after rushing for 1,013 yards at Tennessee. However, the speed has not translated to production in Miami, where he has rushed for just 537 yards in 25 career games.

With former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan running the Dolphins, a change of scenery could help Wright, who is buried behind De'Von Achane.

Audric Estime, Saints

Estime fits the Packers' big-guy mold at 5-foot-11 and 227 pounds. A fifth-round pick by Denver in 2024, he has rushed for 508 yards and three touchdowns in his career. He is currently dealing with an ankle injury but did carry the ball 14 times for 94 yards against the Titans late last season.

Kaleb Johnson, Steelers (Iowa Hawkeyes star)

Johnson, an All-American at Iowa in 2024, is the most intriguing option for Packers fans with Iowa ties. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound back finished his final college season with 1,537 rushing yards, 1,725 total yards and 23 total touchdowns.

However, Johnson quickly fell out of favor in Pittsburgh after a gaffe and is the odd man out in a backfield that includes Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich. He carried just 28 times for 69 yards as a rookie, but a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered.

What should the Packers do?

The Packers have plenty of draft picks to work with if they want to make a trade. The question is whether they believe any of these veterans can step in and carry the load immediately.

With the regular season approaching, Green Bay needs to make a decision quickly. Whether they turn to a physical veteran like Conner, a young homecoming star like Allen, or a proven producer like Tracy, the Packers have options to replace Jacobs if needed.

For Iowa fans, watching Kaleb Johnson land in Green Bay would be a dream scenario. The former Hawkeye has the size, production and pedigree to thrive in the NFL if given the opportunity.

Photo: Sports Illustrated