NFL suspends Broncos' Jackson 4 games in 2nd ban for illegal hits
The NFL suspended Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson four games without pay for repeated violations of the player safety rules, the league announced Monday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Jackson illegally hit Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs during Sunday night's game, and the NFL reviewed the play Monday. He is appealing his latest four-game ban, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. This is Jackson's second suspension for an illegal hit this season.
Jackson was playing in his first contest after serving a two-game suspension, the result of being ejected for the second time this year in Week 7. His punishment was initially a four-game ban before a successful appeal.
The defensive back appeared to lead with his helmet and launched himself into Dobbs' head/neck area, causing a fumble. He wasn't called for a penalty during the game.
The NFL is reviewing #Broncos safety Kareem Jackson’s hit on #Vikings QB Josh Dobbs on Sunday night for potential discipline.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 20, 2023
Jackson just returned from a two-game suspension, so a violation could trigger another suspension.
No flag was thrown. pic.twitter.com/0uS3B0mCgG
Broncos safety and team captain Justin Simmons defended Jackson on social media Monday.
"This is unbelievable," Simmons wrote about his teammate's suspension. "Dobbs on this play was playing running back. The TE was under center, snapped the ball, and tossed it back to Dobbs, who isn't defenseless. On a third-and-1, where you're fighting for every yard, how are we supposed to stop a runner from falling forward?"
Jackson's first ejection of the year followed an illegal hit on Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas in Week 2.
The 35-year-old has been fined multiple times for unnecessary roughness penalties this season.