Rams coach Sean McVay says Alaric Jackson must improve after two-game suspension

Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson received a two-game suspension from the NFL after a video showed him delivering a punch to Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a post-game confrontation. The league imposed the penalty on Tuesday.

Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the incident at a press conference, emphasizing the need for Jackson to consistently meet the team’s expectations. > "It is very important to represent the things that we want to be about. He has to consistently do a better job. The league made their decision, and I want to understand the totality of the situation. I’m not condoning by any stretch of the imagination, but I want to gather all the information before I make comments. It certainly doesn’t help us when we’re missing a player of his caliber. He has 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 added that backup left tackle David Quesenberry will fill in for Jackson during his suspension and noted that Jackson is expected to appeal the decision. He said he does not know what, if anything, Chubb said that may have led to the altercation.

Legal experts cited California’s “fighting words” law, which restricts speech likely to provoke immediate violence, as a possible factor if law enforcement becomes involved. The incident occurred after the game had ended, with Jackson’s pads removed, and the video evidence has prompted discussion about whether criminal charges for battery could be pursued.