The NFL on Tuesday suspended Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games without pay after he punched Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night's 37-34 overtime loss in Los Angeles.
The league said Jackson violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to "any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship."
"Have to make better decisions than that," Rams coach Sean McVay said.
Jackson is eligible to appeal under the collective bargaining agreement, and McVay said it his understanding that Jackson will do so. If Jackson doesn't win his appeal, McVay said offensive tackle David Quessenberry will start in Jackson's place against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7.
In a scene captured by ESPN's cameras, Jackson stood near midfield following Monday's contest while exchanging jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when it appeared Chubb said something to Jackson. Jackson then walked toward Chubb before punching the linebacker in the face with his right hand.
McVay said he wants to "understand the totality of the situation" before commenting on any specifics about Jackson or the suspension.
"I'm not condoning [it] by any stretch of the imagination, but I want to gather all the information before I make comments," McVay said. "But it certainly doesn't help us when we're missing a player of his caliber. And he's got to make more consistent decisions that are in alignment with being available and representing the things that we want to be about, without a doubt."
McVay said he talked to Jackson after watching the video Tuesday morning but said he does not know what Chubb said to Jackson before Jackson threw his punch.
"It's just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game. It was a close game," Chubb told the California Post in the Bills' locker room. "And you know, they always catch the second guy. So, I let him swing. And then my teammates held me back, and I just chilled."
Jackson was pulled away by Rams tight end Colby Parkinson after the punch.
"Like I said, it was emotional game. Tempers got flared," Chubb said. "But it is what it is. We flushed it and we on to next week."
Chubb was still in full uniform at the time, while Jackson had removed his shoulder pads and jersey before walking up to Chubb.
"Somebody swung, but hey, that's not on me to tell who," Chubb said. "There's cameras out there. I just know, you know what I'm saying, I'm just ready for next week."
When asked if the punch connected, Chubb responded, "I'm just ready for next week. ... You see, I'm smiling. I'm with my team. ... I'll be ready for next week."
This is Jackson's second NFL suspension. He sat out for two games in 2024 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.