A Wisconsin judge denied a request to seal evidence in Packers running back Josh Jacobs' case, opening a path for future records requests as Green Bay faced Atlanta during Thursday Night Football
Josh Jacobs attends the Packers-Cardinals game during NFL preseason
Josh Jacobs remains unavailable for the Packers after a judge denied a push to seal court evidence
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Green Bay Packers three-time Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs was listed as unavailable for the team during Thursday Night Football's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons just hours before kickoff, as his ongoing legal matter persists.
A Wisconsin judge shot down a push to keep evidence in Jacobs' criminal case under wraps. The Packers running back had already entered a no-contest plea regarding misdemeanor battery and criminal damage to property.
That ruling cracks the door open for surveillance footage and other records to eventually surface through public records requests, though nothing gets released to prying NFL fans right away.
Green Bay feels the impact as Jacobs sits on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt List that bars him from playing or practicing. The Packers suited up Thursday night with MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson left to carry the load.
Brown County District Court Judge Marc A. Hammer rejected the victim's request for a permanent seal and returned control of the records process to the Hobart/Lawrence Police Department.
Any future requests will be reviewed there after the temporary seal expires, with Jacobs and the victim able to appeal before material is released.
Josh Jacobs runs off the field during the preseason
Jacobs led the Packers in rushing last season
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The NFL may seek the surveillance footage, and Jacobs’ time on the exempt list since Aug. 30 could count toward any future suspension.
The Packers running back was fined $1,000 and was placed under a deferred judgment agreement, with restitution, counseling, and one year of supervision ordered.
Jacobs was already scratched for Thursday Night Football, so the court's move didn't change Matt LaFleur's game plan. The Packers have still felt every bit of his absence in the run game through two weeks.
Josh Jacobs scores a touchdown
Jacobs has no current available return date
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The Packers had only 129 rushing yards as a team, with Lloyd leading the club at 57 yards and no Green Bay player reaching the end zone on the ground. Green Bay found their first score of the night on a first-quarter Christian Watson pass from Jordan Love.
Jacobs finished last season with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, then added 55 yards on 19 carries in Green Bay's wild-card loss to Chicago.
Late in the first quarter, the Packers had only six rushing yards on three carries, while Atlanta had already piled up 88 rushing yards, including 73 from Bijan Robinson.
ove shouldered the offensive load early after going 7-of-10 for 79 yards and a touchdown as Green Bay traded early scores with Atlanta, while Lloyd and Johnson combined for just six yards on the ground.