After appealing his four-game suspension, Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has seen his suspension reduced to two games, NFL senior vice president of football Michael Signora announced Tuesday.
“Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, has reduced the discipline issued to Kareem Jackson from four to two games,” Signora wrote on his Twitter/X page. “Jackson is eligible to return to the Broncos’ roster on Tuesday, November 14.”
Jackson will miss the team’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. After that, Denver will have its bye in Week 9. Jackson will then also miss the team’s road game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10.
Jackson will be eligible to return for the Broncos’ Sunday Night Football showdown with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11.
Before his latest discipline, Jackson had previously been fined four times earlier this season for illegal hits. Denver coach Sean Payton spoke about the safety’s plight on Monday.
“We’re constantly trying to work with and educate the players,” Payton said. “There are times when pad levels drop. I know Kareem, I know his heart and I know the way he’s played. I think it’s an easy narrative to say, ‘Well he’s just an old-timer playing in a new-timer’s game.’ When you see the play, his head is removed from the forceable contact. Defenseless is a little bit more of an issue relative to the position the receiver’s in.
“I just know where he’s at as a player. We’ll keep working on that. I know he’ll keep working on it. He’s someone that’s smart and really wants to do the right thing. It’s one of the toughest parts of our game for the officials, for the players, for all of us involved of getting that to where it’s clear and easy. Sometimes, it’s just not.”
Jackson, 35, has totaled 42 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions through seven games this season. He’s set to become a free agent in 2024.
