Josh Jacobs' battery hearing moved up, raising questions for Packers future

Wisconsin court documents reveal that the first hearing in Josh Jacobs' criminal battery case has been moved up from Nov. 17 to Sept. 10, with no explanation provided for the change. Jacobs is charged with a misdemeanor count of battery and a misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property stemming from a May 23 dispute in which he allegedly threw his girlfriend to the ground, causing a head injury, and damaged her phone.

He was arrested on May 26 and formally charged on Aug. 27, after which he was placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, barring him from practice and games. Prosecutors say video evidence exists of the incident. Jacobs' lawyers have filed a notice allowing them to appear on his behalf, but his personal attendance remains uncertain. A plea agreement could clear him to play for the Packers this season, while an unresolved case may keep him sidelined.