Minnesota quarterback Joshua Dobbs fumbling after a hit by Denver defensive back Kareem Jackson, who received a four-game suspension from the NFL for repeated violations of league safety rules. Photo by Matthew Stockman, Getty Images North America.
Denver Broncos‘ safety Kareem Jackson faces a four-game suspension without pay for repeated player safety rule violations, marking his first tackle since returning from a previous suspension.
NFL Vice President’s Statement on Jackson’s Suspension
In Sunday’s 21-20 victory against the Minnesota Vikings, Jackson’s helmet-to-helmet hit on quarterback Joshua Dobbs led to the suspension. Despite not being penalized during the game, NFL Vice President Jon Runyan notified Jackson of the suspension, he said, “On the play in question, you lowered your head and delivered a forceful blow to the shoulder and head/neck area of an opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.”
Dobbs’ Concussion Check and Return to the Game
Dobbs, functioning as a running back in the play, underwent a concussion check directed by an NFL health and safety spotter. He later returned to the game for the Vikings’ next offensive series shortly after the examination.
Jackson’s Suspension History and Fines
Jackson, a 14-year veteran in his fifth season with the Broncos, plans to appeal the suspension. If upheld, he would forfeit $559,889 in salary. This comes after being fined four times this season for unnecessary roughness, totaling $89,670, and being ejected from two games.
Earlier this season, Jackson’s four-game suspension was reduced to two games after a hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave. This led him to miss the Broncos’ Week 8 and Week 10 games, forfeiting $279,000 of his base salary.
Leading up to the suspension announcement, Broncos coach Sean Payton expressed anticipation, stating, “There’s nothing you can do except wait, and we’ll see where it goes.”
Dobbs’ Perspective on the Hit
After the hit, Dobbs, feeling unharmed, deferred judgment to O’Connell on whether to penalize Jackson. As Dobbs put it, “I’ll let the coaches and everyone else figure that stuff out with officiating.”
Teammates’ Defense of Jackson Against “Dirty Player” Claims
Teammates, especially safety Justin Simmons, were vocal in defending Jackson against claims of being a “dirty player.” Simmons reiterated his support on social media following the suspension announcement, dismissing the league’s characterization of Jackson as “absolute bulls—.”
Broncos’ Upcoming Schedule
Amidst a four-game winning streak, the Broncos are gearing up for crucial matchups against the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans in the coming weeks. Subsequently, they face the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 10 at SoFi Stadium and the Detroit Lions on either Dec. 16 or Dec. 17.
