NFL suspends Rams' Alaric Jackson for two games after punch

Why Alaric Jackson is trending

The NFL suspended Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson on Tuesday for two games without pay after he punched Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Bradley Chubb once the Bills' 37-34 overtime win over the Rams had already ended. The league said the punch broke Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, the rule covering conduct against the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.

What we know: the suspension is official, the rule cited is on the books, and Rams coach Sean McVay says it is his understanding that Jackson will appeal under the collective bargaining agreement. What we do not know yet: the outcome of that appeal, or exactly what words passed between Jackson and Chubb in the seconds before the punch. What happens next is the appeal process playing out, with the Rams' Week 6 and Week 7 lineups hanging on the result.

What happened on the field

The punch came after the final whistle. ESPN's cameras caught Jackson standing near midfield swapping jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when Chubb appeared to say something to him. Jackson then walked over and hit Chubb in the face with his right hand. Rams tight end Colby Parkinson pulled Jackson away afterward.

Chubb was still in full uniform at the time. Jackson had already taken off his shoulder pads and jersey before walking up to him. Chubb would not say who threw the punch, telling reporters there were cameras to settle that, and added only, "I'm just ready for next week."

McVay's reaction and the appeal

McVay said he watched the video Tuesday morning and talked to Jackson afterward, though he said he does not know what Chubb said beforehand. "Have to make better decisions than that," McVay said. He said he wanted to understand the totality of the situation before commenting on specifics.

McVay also pointed to the cost to the team. "It certainly doesn't help us when we're missing a player of his caliber," he said, adding that Jackson needs to make more consistent decisions about being available. If the appeal fails, McVay said David Quessenberry will start at left tackle against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7.

The second suspension of his career

This is not Jackson's first league suspension. He also sat out two games in 2024 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

The punch came in the aftermath of a game the Rams had just lost. Buffalo won 37-34 in overtime behind 331 passing yards from Josh Allen, with a blocked field goal helping the Bills close it out. Jackson's suspension, pending any appeal, would keep him out for the next two games as the Rams try to move past the loss.

Facts per ESPN, ESPN box score. Opinion is the taproom's.