The Los Angeles Rams will be without starting left tackle Alaric Jackson for the next two games after the NFL suspended him for striking Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night’s overtime loss.
The league announced Tuesday that Jackson has been suspended two games without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct. Barring an appeal, he will miss Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals and Week 7 at the Las Vegas Raiders.
What Happened Between Alaric Jackson and Bradley Chubb?
The incident took place after Buffalo’s 37-34 overtime win at SoFi Stadium.
Television cameras captured Jackson and Chubb exchanging words during the postgame handshakes and jersey swaps. Jackson then approached Chubb and struck him in the face before players and teammates separated the two.
In its statement, the NFL said Jackson’s action violated the league’s sportsmanship rules. Reuters reported that Jackson will also forfeit his pay for the two games he is set to miss.
Jackson’s Suspension Creates Another Problem for the Rams
The timing is difficult for a Rams team already sitting at 2-3 after the Monday night loss.
Jackson has started all five games this season at left tackle and is one of the most established players on Los Angeles’ offensive line. The Rams list Jackson as having started 51 of 57 regular-season games in his career prior to this season, and he has been a fixture on Matthew Stafford‘s blind side.
Losing him for two games forces Los Angeles to reshuffle protection at a time when every game matters in a crowded NFC West.
The Cardinals come to SoFi Stadium in Week 6, followed by a road trip to Las Vegas in Week 7. The Rams are already chasing the 5-0 49ers and 3-2 Seahawks in the division.
The Rams Cannot Afford More Self-Inflicted Problems
This is not an injury. It is not bad luck. It is a preventable absence.
That makes the suspension particularly frustrating for Sean McVay and a Rams team that just lost an overtime game it had chances to win.
Los Angeles gave up 121 rushing yards to Josh Allen and watched Buffalo escape with a 37-34 victory after Tyler Bass kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime. The loss dropped the Rams to 2-3.
Now they must move forward without their starting left tackle because of something that happened after the final whistle.
What Happens Next?
Jackson can appeal the suspension. If the two-game penalty is upheld, he would be eligible to return after the Rams’ Oct. 25 game against the Raiders.
The Rams now have to determine who will handle left tackle duties while Jackson is unavailable and whether they need to make a short-term roster move for additional depth.
The bigger issue is discipline.
At 2-3, Los Angeles does not have much room for mistakes that have nothing to do with football.
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