Rams OT Alaric Jackson Suspended Two Games for Post-Game Punch

The post-game handshake line is supposed to be a safe space for fake pleasantries and jersey swaps. Instead, Los Angeles Rams starting offensive tackle Alaric Jackson decided to turn it into a boxing ring, and now the NFL is making him pay for it.

According to Ian Rapoport, the league officially handed Jackson a two-game suspension for punching Buffalo Bills edge rusher Bradley Chubb in the face after their recent clash. The NFL cited a violation of the sportsmanship rule, which is a very polite way of saying you cannot clock an opponent while everyone else is trading sweaty laundry.

"Ian Rapoport reported the NFL's statement citing a violation of the sportsmanship rule."

The frustration makes a little sense if you look at the scoreboard. The Rams had just dropped a brutal 37-34 shootout to Buffalo. But deciding to throw hands after the clock hits zero is objectively terrible math for a starting lineman who is supposed to protect the franchise quarterback.

Now Los Angeles has a massive hole on the left side of their offensive line. Jackson will miss the upcoming October 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals and the October 25 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Missing your starting tackle for a two-game stretch is the kind of roster shuffle that makes offensive coordinators lose sleep and shifts the math for anyone looking at the Rams' team totals. Arizona and Las Vegas both just got blown out in their last games, but a compromised offensive line gives any pass rush a pulse.

Jackson is eligible to return to the active roster on October 26. Until then, the Rams have to figure out how to keep their quarterback upright without their blindside anchor, and maybe review the basic rules of post-game etiquette.