Jackson punches Chubb in postgame exchange after Bills–Rams

Hearing officer Derrick Brooks reduced Alaric Jackson’s suspension from two games to one on Wednesday, the NFL announced. The Rams left tackle will miss Sunday’s game against the Cardinals after his appeal of the original penalty.

The league announcement identifies Brooks as jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. The decision changes the length of the suspension issued Tuesday after Jackson struck Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night’s overtime game; the earlier two-game penalty is no longer the final outcome.

Earlier reporting: Tuesday, October 13, before the appeal decision

The NFL suspended Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games without pay Tuesday after he struck Bills outside linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night’s game. Sean McVay said Jackson will appeal, so the length and timing of the absence remain subject to that process.

As issued, the suspension covers the Rams’ games against Arizona and Las Vegas. McVay said David Quessenberry will start at left tackle during Jackson’s absence, according to Associated Press reporting.

Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson punched Bills outside linebacker Bradley Chubb near midfield after Buffalo’s 37–34 overtime win Monday night. ESPN’s cameras captured the exchange after the game had ended at SoFi Stadium.

Jackson had removed his shoulder pads and jersey and was exchanging jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker. ESPN reported that Chubb appeared to say something to Jackson, who then approached him and swung with his right hand. Rams tight end Colby Parkinson pulled Jackson away.

The broadcaster posted the postgame footage early Tuesday.

Chubb described the confrontation as an emotional exchange in an interview with the California Post. He said he let the other player swing because officials often catch the player who retaliates, and that teammates held him back.

“Somebody swung,” Chubb said. He declined to identify that player himself, pointing to the cameras and saying he was ready for the following week. Chubb also described tempers flaring around a broader group of players after the close game.

The California Post also reported that Chubb tried to approach a Rams player again as players left the field, before Rams defender Myles Garrett and Bills teammates held him back. Chubb eventually turned away after speaking with Parkinson. In the interview, Chubb said he was uninjured.

The exchange came after an overtime game in which both teams had chances to finish the night. Greg Rousseau blocked Harrison Mevis’ 48-yard field goal attempt before Josh Allen’s running moved Buffalo back into scoring position. Tyler Bass then made the winning 45-yard field goal with 1:55 left.

The postgame confrontation occurred afterward, while players from the two teams remained on the field. CBS Sports separately reported the punch and carried Chubb’s explanation of the emotions after the close game.

Buffalo visits the Raiders on Sunday. Los Angeles hosts the Cardinals that afternoon. Chubb’s comments focused on moving on to that next game.

Sources

Chubb’s account of the postgame exchange · CBS Sports: Jackson punches Chubb after Bills–Rams · ESPN: Sarah Barshop reports the postgame incident

Tuesday update: NFL announces two-game Alaric Jackson suspension

AP: McVay says Jackson will appeal, Quessenberry will fill in

Sources for the final Wednesday update

NFL announcement: Jackson suspension reduced · NFL: suspension reduced upon appeal · NBC: Brooks reduces Jackson’s suspension