Alaric Jackson’s Rams suspension cut to one game on appeal

Alaric Jackson’s suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct has been reduced from two games to one following an appeal, the NFL announced. Source 1Source 2 The outcome limits the Los Angeles Rams left tackle’s enforced absence to one fixture rather than two, with an immediate change to the club’s offensive-line availability. Source 1Source 2

What happened

Jackson was originally suspended after striking Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb in the face following the Rams’ 37-34 overtime defeat on Monday night. Source 2Source 3 The initial punishment was issued under the rule covering acts contrary to generally understood principles of sportsmanship. Source 3 Derrick Brooks, the hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association, heard Jackson’s appeal and reduced the suspension to one game. Source 2Source 3Source 4 Michael Signora, the NFL’s senior vice president of football and international communications, announced the reduction in a post on X. Source 2Source 4

Chubb told reporters that he initiated the post-game conversation with Jackson and denied making comments about Jackson’s mother. Source 3 Chubb said the exchange involved a warning that the teams would meet again, as well as his complaint about chipping by a tight end and guard, before the punch occurred. Source 3 No disciplinary action was taken against Chubb in connection with the incident. Source 3

Why it matters

The appeal changes the scale of Jackson’s absence from two games to one, a significant availability shift for a player identified as the Rams’ left tackle. Source 1Source 2 Veteran David Quessenberry is expected to start at left tackle in Jackson’s place against Arizona, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. Source 2Source 3 That leaves the Rams preparing for one game with Quessenberry in the expected starting role, rather than planning for a second Jackson absence under the original sanction. Source 2Source 3

There is also a financial consequence to the revised penalty. Source 3 With a 2026 base salary of $16.822 million, Jackson is set to forfeit approximately $934,555 for the single missed game. Source 3 The ban is Jackson’s second NFL suspension, after he missed the first two games of the 2024 season for a personal conduct policy violation. Source 3

What’s next

Jackson will miss the Rams’ Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Source 2Source 3 He becomes eligible to return for the 25 October game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Source 2Source 3 Until then, Quessenberry is the expected replacement at left tackle against the Cardinals under McVay’s stated plan. Source 2Source 3

Notes

The appeal ruling reduced the ban but did not remove the finding that led to the original unsportsmanlike-conduct suspension. Source 1Source 3 The supplied reports identify Brooks as the appeal officer, but do not provide a public explanation from him for the reduction. Source 2Source 3Source 4