Alaric Jackson will miss two games after punching Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night’s 37-34 defeat at SoFi Stadium. The NFL announced the suspension on Tuesday, confirming the incident took place after the final whistle as players exchanged handshakes and jerseys.
The league’s statement described the event as a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which penalises “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” Video footage circulated widely, showing Jackson striking Chubb in the face during a brief confrontation.
Jackson’s suspension includes a loss of pay for the two games he will be sidelined. The offensive lineman has the option to appeal the ruling, and Rams head coach Sean McVay said Jackson intends to pursue that route.
The Rams currently hold a 2-3 record this season, and losing a starting offensive lineman will add to their challenges. Jackson’s absence could affect the team’s offensive rhythm and protection schemes in upcoming matches.
This marks Jackson’s second NFL suspension. In 2024, he received a two-game ban after violating the league’s personal conduct policy. That suspension followed a lawsuit involving allegations that Jackson recorded sexual acts without consent, a claim made by a woman in court documents.
The NFL’s decision to suspend Jackson again comes amid a season where the Rams have struggled to find consistency. After a close loss to the Bills, tensions boiled over in a moment that cost one of their key offensive players valuable playing time.
Jackson’s appeal process will unfold in the coming days, but the suspension remains in place until then. The Rams will have to adjust their lineup without him for at least the next two games, potentially impacting their offensive line depth and performance.
The league’s firm stance on postgame conduct reflects ongoing efforts to maintain sportsmanship standards, especially as emotions run high in tightly contested games. Jackson’s actions after Monday’s loss have tangible consequences for both himself and the Rams moving forward.
According to Yahoo Sports.
