Denver Defender Jackson Gets Four-Game NFL Ban for Dangerous Hits
The suspension was imposed by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan for a transgression in which “a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.”
Jackson slammed the top of his helmet into the chest and face mask of Minnesota quarterback Josh Dobbs only 82 seconds into the first quarter, knocking loose a fumble that led to a Denver field goal in a 21-20 home triumph.
A player is prohibited from playing football if “he lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent,” according to NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan.
Jackson won’t be available for the Broncos’ games against Cleveland, Houston, the Los Angeles Chargers, and Detroit. The Broncos are 5-5 and one game out of an AFC playoff spot. Prior to a game against New England on December 24, he can make a comeback.
Runyan referred to his hit on Dobbs as “a serious violation of the playing rules” in a letter to Jackson.
Runyan continued, “You had an open route to your opponent and the unlawful contact could have been prevented.”
“You lowered your head and delivered a forceful blow to an opponent’s shoulder and head/neck area on the play in question when you had time and space to avoid such contact,” Runyan told Jackson. “Illegal acts that are flagrant and jeopardize the safety of players will not be tolerated.” “You had the option to communicate with your opponent in accordance with the rules, but you chose not to.”
Jackson has made similar decisions in the past and has the ability to appeal the arbitration ban.
Following a 19-17 victory over Green Bay last month, Jackson was given a four-game suspension for breaking unnecessary roughness rules.
Jackson was able to play again against the Vikings after hearing officer Derrick Brooks shortened the suspension to two games on appeal.
Jackson was also sent off in Denver’s September 17 35-33 loss to Washington and fined for a flagrant hit.
Before moving to Denver in 2019, Jackson, 35, spent nine seasons with the Houston Texans after being selected by them with the 20th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
