Rams’ Alaric Jackson has suspension reduced to one game after punching Bills’ Bradley Chubb

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson will miss one game after the NFL reduced his suspension for punching Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following a 37-34 overtime loss on Monday night.

Jackson originally received a two-game suspension for striking Chubb in the face after the game at SoFi Stadium. Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, reduced the penalty to one game Wednesday after Jackson appealed.

Jackson will miss Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals but is eligible to return for the Rams’ Oct. 25 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The incident occurred as players exchanged words following Buffalo’s overtime victory. Jackson approached Chubb and punched him, knocking his hat off before teammates intervened and separated the two players.

The NFL said Jackson violated its sportsmanship rules by striking an opponent after the game. The suspension is without pay.

Chubb said he was fine after the altercation and described the exchange as an emotional moment following a close game. He later clarified that his comments to Jackson concerned the Rams’ use of chipping techniques to slow opposing pass rushers, not Jackson’s family.

Jackson’s absence creates a challenge for the Rams’ offensive line as the team prepares for Arizona. Coach Sean McVay said veteran offensive lineman David Quessenberry is expected to start at left tackle in Jackson’s place.

The suspension marks another disciplinary issue for Jackson, who also served a two-game suspension at the beginning of the 2024 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Jackson has been an important part of the Rams’ offensive line since joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021. His role protecting quarterback Matthew Stafford’s blind side makes his absence particularly significant.

With the suspension reduced, the Rams will be without their starting left tackle for one game instead of two. Jackson is eligible to rejoin the team following its matchup against the Raiders on Oct. 25.