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The NFL has suspended Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games without pay after he punched Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night’s 37-34 overtime loss.
The league announced the suspension Tuesday, citing a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits conduct contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
Jackson can appeal the decision under the collective bargaining agreement. Rams head coach Sean McVay said he expects the offensive tackle to challenge the suspension.
Jackson Could Miss Rams’ Next Two Games
If the suspension stands, Jackson will miss the Rams’ Week 6 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals and their Week 7 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. McVay said David Quessenberry would start at left tackle during Jackson’s absence.
Jackson started all five of Los Angeles’ games this season and has become a key part of the team’s offensive line since joining the Rams as an undrafted free agent from Iowa in 2021.
McVay said he spoke with Jackson after watching footage of the incident Tuesday morning but wanted to gather more information before commenting on the details.
“Have to make better decisions than that,” McVay said.
The coach added that the incident hurt the team because it could lose a player of Jackson’s caliber for two games. He also stressed that Jackson must make better decisions to remain available and represent the organization appropriately.
Chubb Describes Postgame Confrontation
The incident occurred near midfield after the final whistle, while players were exchanging jerseys. Jackson was trading jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when he appeared to hear something from Chubb.
Jackson then approached the Buffalo linebacker and struck him in the face with his right hand. Rams tight end Colby Parkinson pulled Jackson away as players moved to separate the two.
Chubb later described the confrontation as an emotional moment following a close game.
“It’s just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game,” Chubb told the California Post. “And you know, they always catch the second guy. So, I let him swing. And then my teammates held me back, and I just chilled.”
Chubb declined to confirm whether Jackson’s punch connected, instead saying he was ready to move on to the next game.
Jackson Receives Second NFL Suspension
This marks Jackson’s second NFL suspension. The league previously suspended him for two games in 2024 for violating its personal conduct policy.
Jackson’s latest ban comes after the Rams’ loss to Buffalo, which also featured struggles on special teams. However, the league’s suspension specifically concerns his postgame conduct toward Chubb.
Los Angeles must now prepare for its next two matchups while Jackson pursues an appeal that could determine whether Quessenberry fills in at left tackle.
