Kareem Jackson (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, who faced a four-game suspension last month due to repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules, made a return to the practice field on Wednesday.
Roster Decision Pending
As per the rules, Jackson can participate in practices, meetings, and other team functions under a roster exemption until Monday. If the Broncos officially move him to the roster before Monday, possibly before Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, they will need to release a player to make room.
Coach Sean Payton said after Wednesday’s practice that the team had not decided regarding Jackson’s roster status for Sunday or his role in the defense.
P.J. Locke’s Stand-In Performance
Safety P.J. Locke has played in all six games missed by Jackson, starting in five of them. In those games, Locke showcased his skills with an interception, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
“We’ll figure out how we’re going to handle it relative to this week,” Payton said.
Jackson’s Suspension History
Jackson faced suspension twice this season, totaling six games. The NFL imposed the four-game suspension on Jackson after his hit on quarterback Josh Dobbs on Nov. 19 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Jackson was not penalized on the play and played all 74 of the defense’s snaps that day. However, it was his first game back from a reduced two-game suspension for a hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave, resulting in his ejection.
Jackson has forfeited $559,889 in salary for the four-game suspension and an additional $279,000 for the two-game ban this season. He also incurred a fine of $89,670 for other unnecessary roughness penalties.
Player’s Perspective on NFL Officiating
Expressing a desire for “clarity” from the NFL on officiating certain plays, Jackson met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during his most recent suspension.
“I was told that I’m responsible for the offensive guys’ protection,” Jackson said at a recent charitable event for his foundation in the days after his meeting with Goodell. “So, I’m not really sure how I protect myself, make plays and protect them as well. And I’m not really sure what I do moving forward as playing this game.”
This report used information from ESPN.
