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Packers Cut Ex-Jets RB After Just One Month, Josh Jacobs Reflects on Ruthless RB Competition

 

Green Bay, WI – August 9

NFL training camp can be unforgiving, and for Israel Abanikanda, it was a lesson learned the hard way. The former New York Jets running back, signed by the Green Bay Packers just a month ago with hopes of rejuvenating his young career, was released Tuesday amid a fierce battle for roster spots in a crowded running back room.

Abanikanda, a former fifth-round pick with flashes of promise in New York, arrived in Green Bay eager to compete for a backup role. However, the emergence of undrafted rookie Amar Johnson, the strong camp performance of Chris Brooks and Emmanuel Wilson, and the steady presence of All-Pro Josh Jacobs left little margin for error. Coaches praised Abanikanda’s effort but ultimately chose to prioritize versatility and special teams value, signaling the end of his short Packers tenure.

Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but stressed the reality of NFL competition: “Every spot is earned, not given. We have a talented group, and we have to make tough calls for the best of the team.”

Veteran leader Josh Jacobs, the clear-cut RB1, spoke candidly about the cut after Wednesday’s practice. Having witnessed similar stories throughout his career, Jacobs offered perspective on the relentless nature of the league:

“This league, especially in the running back room, is all about survival. Every year, every camp, you see good dudes come in hungry, but not everyone can stay. We push each other, we compete, but at the end of the day, there’s only so many helmets. I respect Izzy for how he worked, but this is Green Bay — you gotta bring something special, every single day, or the next man is right behind you.”

With Abanikanda gone, the Packers’ running back rotation now features Jacobs, rookie MarShawn Lloyd, and a heated battle between Chris Brooks, Emmanuel Wilson, and Amar Johnson for the final roster spots. As preseason grinds on, every snap and every drill grows in importance — not just for who makes the team, but for who will earn meaningful touches alongside Jacobs come September.

The NFL is a business of opportunity, heartbreak, and relentless competition. In Green Bay, that reality is felt most deeply in a running back room where nothing is guaranteed, and every day could be someone’s last.

 

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NFL Suspends Entire Officiating Crew Led by Craig Wrolstad After Controversial Finish in Seahawks–Buccaneers Game
October 8, 2025 – Seattle, WA The NFL has officially suspended referee Craig Wrolstad and his entire officiating crew following the explosive fallout from Sunday’s Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup — a 38–35 thriller marred by a string of controversial calls that fans say “handed the game” to Tampa Bay.   According to official NFL.com and ESPN data, the suspended crew — known as Crew 12 for the 2025 season — consisted of: Referee: Craig Wrolstad (#4) – Lead referee, responsible for major penalties such as pass interference and roughing the passer. Known for high penalty frequency (13.5 penalties/game in 2024). Umpire: Brandon Cruse (#45) – Oversaw the line of scrimmage, false starts, and holding infractions. Down Judge: Danny Short (#113) – Marked downfield yardage and sideline progress. Line Judge: Brett Bergman (#91) – Responsible for out-of-bounds and boundary plays. Field Judge: Jeff Shears (#108) – Monitored coverage plays and pass interference calls. Back Judge: Rich Martinez (#39) – Focused on deep coverage and signaling calls. The decision came after widespread outrage over inconsistent officiating in critical moments, which many believe tilted momentum toward the Buccaneers’ comeback. The crew has been accused of enforcing rules unevenly and issuing “late, selective, and phantom calls” in the second half. 🔥 Controversial Moments Leading to the Suspension 1️⃣ Illegal Man Downfield (2nd Half, 3rd & 12 – Seahawks Drive)The Seahawks were flagged for illegal man downfield on a shovel pass to Kenneth Walker — wiping out a first down and forcing a punt. Moments later, Tampa Bay executed a similar play, but the flag was picked up after brief discussion, allowing their drive to continue. That drive ended in a touchdown by Rachaad White. Fans on X called it “ridiculous inconsistency,” arguing that the call was selectively enforced against Seattle. 2️⃣ Phantom Defensive Holding (4th Quarter – Bucs Comeback Drive)On 3rd down deep in Buccaneers territory, officials threw a late flag for defensive holding on Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, gifting Tampa Bay a first down that led to Baker Mayfield’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard. Replays showed minimal contact, with analysts calling it “incidental at best.” PFF later graded the call as “incorrect.” 3️⃣ Late-Game Holding Calls (Final Minutes)As the game tightened, the Seahawks were penalized four times in the final quarter compared to Tampa’s one — including a questionable holding call after a tipped pass   and a weak illegal contact flag during Sam Darnold’s final drive. The penalties set up a deflected interception and the game-winning 39-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin as time expired. “Refs controlled the second half,” one viral post read. “That wasn’t football — that was theater.” The Wrolstad crew, which had officiated four of Seattle’s last five games, already had a reputation for overcalling offensive holding and inconsistent man-downfield enforcement. The Seahawks were 2–2 under Wrolstad’s crew entering Week 5. NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson released a statement Monday night confirming the disciplinary action:   “The league expects consistency, accuracy, and fairness from all officiating crews. After a thorough review of the Seahawks–Buccaneers game, the NFL determined that multiple officiating decisions failed to meet our professional standards.” The entire crew will be removed from active assignments indefinitely, pending further internal evaluation. For Seahawks fans — and even some Buccaneers supporters — the suspension serves as long-overdue validation after what many called “one of the worst-officiated games of the season.” The debate over NFL officiating integrity continues, but one thing is clear: the fallout from Seahawks–Buccaneers has shaken confidence in the league’s officiating more than any game this year.