NFL

Illustration of Rams tackle Alaric Jackson in a heated postgame confrontation at SoFi Stadium

Alaric Jackson to Appeal 2-Game Suspension, McVay Confirms

By The Sports Nus Staff | October 14, 2026

Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson will appeal his two-game NFL suspension for punching Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after Monday night's game, head coach Sean McVay confirmed Tuesday. "Yes, that's my understanding," McVay said when asked whether Jackson planned to appeal.

The NFL made the suspension official Tuesday evening. Jackson is barred from the Rams' games against the Cardinals on October 18 and the Raiders on October 25, with October 26 set as his eligibility date to return. Under the CBA, the appeal will be heard by one of the jointly appointed hearing officers: Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera or James Thrash.

McVay also revealed the Rams' plan at left tackle: 36-year-old veteran David Quessenberry will start while Jackson is out. Quessenberry hasn't started a game since 2023 with the Vikings and has played just 18 offensive snaps since the start of last season. Rookie Keagen Trost will return to practice this week and could be activated off injured reserve.

McVay didn't hide his frustration with Jackson's decision-making. "He has to consistently do a better job," McVay said. "It certainly doesn't help us when we're missing a player of his caliber." He added: "I'm not condoning by any stretch of the imagination, but I want to gather all the information before I make comments."

This is Jackson's second two-game suspension. He also missed two games in 2024 for a personal conduct policy violation. The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $56.3 million extension in 2025 and has started 56 of 62 games since joining the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021.

What it means

The appeal is a long shot given the punch was caught on camera, but Jackson has nothing to lose. The bigger story is the Rams' left tackle situation: Quessenberry is a 36-year-old swing tackle who hasn't started in three years, protecting Matthew Stafford's blind side for a 2-3 team that can't afford to lose more ground. If the appeal fails, Stafford's protection takes a major hit for two winnable games.

Key Facts

Appeal: Jackson will appeal the 2-game suspension, per Sean McVay. Heard by Brooks, Nelson, Rivera or Thrash.
Games missed: Cardinals (Oct 18), Raiders (Oct 25). Eligible to return Oct 26.
Replacement: David Quessenberry, 36, starts at LT. Hasn't started since 2023.
McVay quote: "He has to consistently do a better job. It certainly doesn't help us when we're missing a player of his caliber."
Second suspension: Also missed 2 games in 2024 for personal conduct policy violation.
Contract: 3-year, $56.3M extension signed 2025. Started 56 of 62 games since 2021.

VIA NY Post, Rams Wire, NBC Sports, Essentially Sports.