After being hit with a four-game suspension following an ejection for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave this past week, Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has successfully appealed his suspension.
Now, Jackson’s suspension has been cut in half. Instead of serving a four-game suspension, he will only be forced to sit out the next two games, meaning he will be eligible to return in Week 11 when the Broncos face the Minnesota Vikings.
Jackson will miss this week against the Kansas City Chiefs before the Broncos go on bye in Week 9. Then, he’ll miss week 10 against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football before returning to the lineup for Week 11.
Unfortunately, Jackson has been fined multiple times this season for illegal hits. Jackson’s most recent hit on Musgrave was the final straw for the NFL. Since fining Jackson wasn’t enough to send a message, the league gave him no choice but to suspend him.
Former NFL linebacker and current appeals officer for the NFL and NFL Players Association, Derrick Brooks, has decided to reduce Jackson’s suspension following his appeal.
For everyone’s sake, hopefully, Jackson has learned his lesson. Not only is he putting other players in danger with these illegal hits, but he is also putting himself in harm’s way. There is a fine line between aggression and recklessness, Jackson needs to do a better job of walking said line.
Until Jackson can return, rookie safety and sixth-round pick JL Skinner will start in his place.
