The legal case involving Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs took another turn Tuesday. Attorneys for Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend filed a motion asking the court to seal all evidence and discovery materials related to the criminal case involving the Pro Bowl running back.
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler broke the news on X on Tuesday.
“Attorneys for Josh Jacobs’ ex-girlfriend on Tuesday filed a motion to seal evidence and discovery materials in the criminal case involving the Packers running back. A statement from Amir Tahmassebi and Ramses Jalalpour, obtained by @espn,” Fowler tweeted.
In a joint statement to ESPN, the lawyers said the request is meant to keep sensitive materials private and protect their client’s privacy throughout the legal process.
The filing comes after several recent developments in the Brown County court system. Jacobs recently pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property following an altercation at his Wisconsin home in late May.
As part of the agreement, the judge fined Jacobs $1,000 for the battery charge and placed the property damage charge under a deferred judgment. That charge will be dismissed after one year if Jacobs follows all court requirements. Those include completing battery counseling, staying away from the victim, and paying full restitution.
The files include police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage that prosecutors mentioned. A judge had already approved a temporary seal at the defense’s request, and this new motion from the victim’s attorneys could make it even harder for outside parties, including NFL officials, to access the records.
Jacobs is on the commissioner’s exempt list, which means he cannot practice or play in games while the NFL reviews the case under its personal conduct policy.
How Josh Jacobs’ Absence Impacts the Packers?
Losing Jacobs for an extended period could hurt Matt LaFleur’s offense. The Packers signed him to be the main running back and a key part of their balanced attack. His ability to gain tough yards and handle heavy contact helps create opportunities for quarterback Jordan Love.
Without Jacobs, Green Bay will have to rely on backup running backs. None offers the same power and experience. That was clear in the Packers’ Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, when they struggled to establish the run and convert short-yardage situations. That put more pressure on Love to throw in obvious passing situations.
Jacobs’ ability to pick up short-yardage gains and run out the clock is difficult to replace. With Jacobs on the exempt list, defenses may also focus more on Green Bay’s receivers instead of worrying about the run.
