Last week, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was ordered to pay restitution after agreeing to a plea deal to two misdemeanor charges for battery and criminal damage to property. Many believed the resolution would mean swift disciplinary action from the NFL, but a new wrinkle in the case may change the timeline and the extent of punishment.
On Tuesday, lawyers for the victim, Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend, presented a motion for the court to permanently seal records from the criminal case, including evidence. That means there will be less for the NFL to use in its own investigation, such as footage from the incident.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, barring an appeal, the tape will remain sealed away from prying eyes, including the NFL’s.
“A key issue here is the videotape of the incident with the ex-girlfriend — and whether the NFL can get ahold of it,” Fowler wrote. “This motion makes it increasingly harder for the league to do so.”
For now, Jacobs will wait, as will the Packers, who seem ready to welcome him back with open arms. Despite the running back’s recent legal issues, head coach Matt LaFleur recently praised his character while characterizing the incident as an “unfortunate situation.”
Soon enough, the NFL will have a clearer picture of what evidence they’ll have to use. Fowler says the investigation is ongoing, but a suspension will be handed down “sooner rather than later.”
“A four-to-six game suspension could be the range based on a few people I’ve talked to in the league, but that’s obviously fluid and based on the league’s findings,” Fowler wrote.
Packers Backfield Struggled in Week 1
Without Jacobs in the lineup, the Packers’ running game was virtually nonexistent in a 39-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While part of the blame falls on poor offensive line play, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks didn’t look ready to take on No. 1 running back duties.
Lloyd, playing in just his second NFL game since being selected in the third round of the 2024 draft, managed only 37 yards off 13 carries, for an average of just 2.8 yards per touch. Meanwhile, Brooks was used less often, finishing with seven carries for 29 yards (4.1 yards per carry).
Jacobs won’t be back anytime soon, so the job is still up for grabs. What the Packers need to find out is whether or not either is up to the task, and quickly, so they can pivot to other potential options.
