NFL
Reduced on Appeal | Rams Left Tackle Alaric Jackson Sees Punching Suspension Cut to One Game
Los Angeles Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson initially received a two-game suspension without pay for striking Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb in the face after a Monday night game. A hearing officer has now halved that penalty on appeal.
The NFL discipline following Monday night's intense overtime battle between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams has officially been finalized.
Los Angeles Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, who initially received a two-game suspension without pay for striking Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb in the face postgame, has seen his penalty reduced to a one-game suspension following a swift appeal process on Wednesday.
Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, the Pro Football Hall of Famer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association to handle on-field discipline appeals, ruled to cut Jackson's ban in half.
The Postgame Incident at SoFi Stadium
The physical altercation occurred shortly after the conclusion of Buffalo's 37-34 overtime victory over Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium.
According to video footage and sideline reports, Jackson was engaged in a jersey swap with another Bills player when Chubb approached and exchanged heated words with the Rams lineman. As Chubb turned to walk away, Jackson pursued him and delivered a punch directly to Chubb's face mask.
Incident and Discipline Summary
- Fixture: Buffalo Bills 37, Los Angeles Rams 34 (OT)
- Incident: Postgame verbal exchange leading to Jackson striking Chubb
- Initial Ruling: Two-game suspension without pay, Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1
- Appeal Result: Penalty reduced to one game by NFL and NFLPA hearing officer Derrick Brooks
The league initially cited Jackson for violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which governs non-sportsmanlike conduct and acts described as contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
Roster and On-Field Impact for Los Angeles
The reduced suspension significantly alters the Rams' offensive line timeline as they navigate early-season NFC West competition.
Alaric Jackson Suspension Availability
- Week 6, Oct 18 vs. Arizona Cardinals: Suspended, David Quessenberry starts
- Week 7, Oct 25 at Las Vegas Raiders: Eligible to return
Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed that veteran offensive lineman David Quessenberry will fill in at left tackle for Sunday's divisional clash against the Arizona Cardinals.
| Player | Position | Role During Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Alaric Jackson | Left Tackle | Serving one-game suspension, eligible Oct. 19 |
| David Quessenberry | Left Tackle | Named starter vs. Arizona Cardinals |
| Bradley Chubb | Linebacker | Unsanctioned postgame participant, no suspension issued |
Because of the successfully appealed verdict, Jackson will rejoin the Rams' active 53-man roster on Monday, October 19, making him fully available for Los Angeles' Week 7 road game against the Las Vegas Raiders. For more NFL coverage, see the Sports hub and our report on the Cam Jurgens trade between the Eagles and Ravens.
Sources
- 1Rams' Alaric Jackson Has Suspension Cut to One Game Following Appeal| ESPN
- 2Bradley Chubb Explains His Side of Altercation With Alaric Jackson| NBC Sports
- 3Rams LT Alaric Jackson Suspended for Punching Bills Bradley Chubb| The Athletic
- 4Alaric Jackson Suspended for Striking Bradley Chubb After Monday Night Game| CBS Sports