Alaric Jackson Wins Appeal as NFL Halves Punching Suspension to One Game

Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson has won his appeal against the NFL, seeing his suspension for punching Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb cut from two games to one, the league announced Wednesday.

Jackson, 28, was suspended Tuesday for striking Chubb in the face during a postgame altercation at SoFi Stadium after Buffalo's 37-34 overtime victory on Monday night. The Rams left tackle had been swapping jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when Chubb approached him and the two exchanged words; Jackson walked toward the linebacker and delivered a right-handed punch that knocked Chubb's hat off, an incident caught on camera.

Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, the appeals officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the players association, heard the case and halved the penalty. Jackson will still sit out Sunday's home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, with veteran David Quessenberry expected to start at left tackle, but he will be eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, Oct. 19, in time for Week 7 at the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Have to make better decisions than that," Rams coach Sean McVay said of the incident on Tuesday. Chubb, for his part, acknowledged on Wednesday that he sparked the verbal exchange — telling Jackson words to the effect that the chipping blocks from the tight end and guard "ain't gonna save you" when the teams meet again — but denied reports that he insulted Jackson's mother. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Jackson will lose close to $1 million in pay for the missed game.