Rams OL Alaric Jackson expecting two-game suspension after punching Bills defender Bradley Chubb
The NFL is expected to suspend Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games after he punched Buffalo Bills defender Bradley Chubb during a post-game exchange. Jackson is expected to appeal; the league says the punch violated its sportsmanship rules.
The incident followed a close, high-scoring game, and Chubb said he stayed calm while teammates held him back. The article also notes Jackson’s previous two-game suspension in 2024 and a June 2026 arrest on felony domestic violence charges, which prosecutors referred to a pre-filing diversion hearing; the NFL is reviewing that incident. The Rams are 2-3 and rely on Jackson to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford.
- Jackson is expected to receive a two-game suspension.
- He is expected to appeal the NFL’s decision.
- The Rams are 2-3 and face uncertainty at left tackle.
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Alaric Jackson is the Los Angeles Rams’ left tackle, an offensive lineman whose job includes protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford from defenders. The Rams are 2-3, so losing Jackson could affect how well the team protects its attack.
Bradley Chubb plays defence for the Buffalo Bills. The reported punch came after a close, high-scoring game and is being handled under NFL rules on sportsmanship; Jackson is expected to appeal a two-game suspension.
The case also comes amid league scrutiny of Jackson’s earlier suspension and a separate domestic violence case that prosecutors referred to a pre-filing diversion hearing. The NFL is reviewing that matter, which is separate from the reported post-game incident.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A two-game suspension could be defended as a proportionate response to a deliberate punch after the final whistle, when players should be able to leave the field without being struck. Consistent discipline may help protect player safety and uphold standards of sportsmanship, particularly given Jackson’s prior suspension, while allowing him to appeal the decision.
The case against
Jackson could argue that the league should assess the punch in its specific context, including what preceded the exchange and whether the proposed penalty is consistent with sanctions for comparable incidents. A two-game absence also affects the Rams’ ability to field their starting left tackle, so a shorter suspension or other penalty might be argued to address the conduct without imposing an excessive competitive cost.