NFL suspends Rams tackle Alaric Jackson two games for punch
The Rams' left tackle will miss games against the Cardinals and Raiders for punching Bradley Chubb; he can appeal, and McVay expects him to.
Alaric Jackson, the Los Angeles Rams' starting left tackle, will sit out two games without pay. The NFL suspended him for punching Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after Monday night's game, and announced it on Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to ESPN.
Jackson will miss Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals and Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders unless an appeal succeeds. The collective bargaining agreement allows one, and Rams coach Sean McVay said he understands Jackson will file it. If the suspension stands, David Quessenberry would take over at left tackle, per ESPN.
Buffalo had won the game 37-34 in overtime. According to ESPN, Jackson approached Chubb as the linebacker swapped jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker at midfield, and punched him. Rams tight end Colby Parkinson pulled Jackson away.
The league cited Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers acts "contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship."
"Have to make better decisions than that," McVay said afterward. He added that he is not condoning the punch "by any stretch of the imagination." Chubb played it down: "It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game."
Jackson has started all five Rams games this season, according to NBC Sports. This is not his first suspension: ESPN reports he missed two games in 2024 for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
An arbitrator named under the collective bargaining agreement would decide any appeal, according to NBC Sports. No appeal has been confirmed as filed.
