Broncos safety Kareem Jackson will serve a four-game suspension without pay after delivering a massive illegal hit on Packers tight end Luke Musgrave in the fourth quarter of their Week 7 game, the NFL announced on Monday.
With 14:10 remaining in regulation, Musgrave registered an 18-yard reception. After making the catch, Musgrave slightly lost his balance before Jackson used the crown of his helmet to deliver a vicious blow to the head and neck area of the defenseless tight end.
Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, wrote in a statement that Jackson “delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of a defenseless receiver” when he had “time and space to avoid such contact.”
“You could have made contact with your opponent within the rules, yet you chose not to,” Runyan said in the statement.
NFL announcement on its four-game suspension of Kareem Jackson: pic.twitter.com/gmJESauHLq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2023
The Broncos' next four games include the Chiefs on Oct. 29, the Bills on Nov. 13, the Vikings on Nov. 19, and the Browns on Nov. 26. Jackson will be eligible to return to the team on Nov. 27 following the clash between Denver and Cleveland.
Jackson can appeal the suspension under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. However, if the 13-year pro elects to appeal the decision, Derrick Brooks and James Thrash will make the final conclusion on his status.
