Report shares suspension update for Packers' Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs remains on the commissioner's exempt list after he recently reached a plea deal related to his May arrest in Wisconsin. 

Jacobs was previously formally charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. On Tuesday, ESPN's Rob Demovsky shared that attorneys representing Jacobs' former girlfriend had "filed a motion to permanently seal evidence and discovery materials in the criminal case" amid her "desire to protect her privacy, particularly in light of Mr. Jacobs taking responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceeding." 

On Wednesday morning, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler explained what this latest development may mean regarding Jacobs' eventual return to the Packers' lineup. 

Possible "range" for Josh Jacobs suspension revealed

"The NFL's investigation is ongoing, but there could be a suspension sooner rather than later," Fowler wrote. "Jacobs remains on the commissioner exempt list. 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."

Without Jacobs, the Packers endured a brutal collapse when they squandered a 22-10 lead en route to suffering a 39-22 loss at the rival Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. As a team, Green Bay tallied 66 total rushing yards and averaged 3.1 yards per carry that afternoon. 

The Packers next play at the 1-0 New York Jets. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Green Bay as a 4.5-point road favorite for that contest. 

"Key issue" in how the NFL may determine Josh Jacobs suspension

"A key issue here is the videotape of the incident with the ex-girlfriend -- and whether the NFL can get ahold of it," Fowler noted. "This motion makes it increasingly harder for the league to do so. My understanding is that, barring a formal appeal from one of the legal parties involved, that tape should remain tucked away. Last week, the court ordered Jacobs to pay restitution to the victim as part of his no-contest plea for misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. It's quite possible, if not likely, that has already happened. He was also ordered to attend counseling and avoid contacting the victim."

It remains to be seen if the Packers will get more clarity on Jacobs' status before their Week 3 "Thursday Night Football" home game versus the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 24.