The NFL has announced a four-game suspension for Broncos safety Kareem Jackson for the second time this season. The suspension comes after Jackson was found to have lowered his helmet and drilled Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs during Sunday night’s game. Despite causing a fumble that set up the Broncos’ first score in their 21-20 win, the hit was not flagged on the field.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan informed Jackson of the suspension in a letter, stating that the hit was a serious violation of the playing rules and could have been avoided. Runyan emphasized that the league will not tolerate flagrant and dangerous actions that jeopardize the safety of players.
This suspension comes after Jackson’s first game back from a two-game suspension for previous violations of the same rule against leading with the helmet. Initially announced as a four-game suspension, it was reduced to two games on appeal. Jackson is expected to appeal this new suspension as well.
Jackson has faced ejections from two games and fines four times this season for illegal hits. The NFL is likely to take further action if Jackson does not change his playing style.