NFL Suspends Three Players: Alaric Jackson, Montez Sweat and Dre Greenlaw Face Disciplinary Action

NFL Suspends Players for League Violations

The NFL has suspended three players for separate violations of league rules, with Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson receiving a two-game suspension for punching Buffalo Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb after Monday night’s game, Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat also suspended for two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw receiving a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Jackson and Sweat will miss their teams’ upcoming games if their suspensions stand, while Greenlaw’s appeal has been denied, forcing him to sit out San Francisco’s Monday night matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Rams’ Alaric Jackson Suspended Two Games for Punching Bradley Chubb

The NFL suspended Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games without pay after he punched Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb during a postgame confrontation following Los Angeles’ 37-34 overtime loss to Buffalo on Monday night.

The league determined that Jackson violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits conduct contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship. Jackson is eligible to appeal the suspension under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, and Rams coach Sean McVay said it was his understanding that the offensive lineman would challenge the decision.

The incident was captured by ESPN’s cameras following the game. Jackson was standing near midfield and exchanging jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when Chubb appeared to say something to him. Jackson then approached Chubb and punched the linebacker in the face with his right hand.

The confrontation quickly became a significant disciplinary issue for the Rams as they prepare for the next two weeks of the regular season. If Jackson’s appeal is unsuccessful, McVay said offensive tackle David Quessenberry would start in his place against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Losing Jackson for two games would force Los Angeles to adjust its offensive line during a critical stretch of the season.

Bears’ Montez Sweat Suspended Two Games for PED Policy Violation

The NFL also suspended Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat for two games without pay for violating the league’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy. Sweat, 30, will miss Chicago’s Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and its Week 7 game against the New England Patriots. He is eligible for reinstatement on Oct. 23.

The suspension creates another challenge for a Bears defense dealing with injury concerns along its defensive front. Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo exited the first half of Chicago’s 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a quad injury and did not return.

Bears coach Ben Johnson had no update on Odeyingbo’s condition Monday, leaving Chicago potentially facing a difficult personnel situation as it prepares for its next two games. Sweat’s absence would remove an important piece of the Bears’ pass rush during a stretch in which the team will need its defensive front to generate pressure and help keep opposing offenses under control.

49ers’ Dre Greenlaw Loses Appeal, Will Miss Commanders Game

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw also received disciplinary action from the NFL, with the league suspending him for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s 32-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Greenlaw was ejected during the first half after head-butting Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during a confrontation that followed a late hit on Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold.

The incident began in the second quarter when Darnold scrambled and was hit by Greenlaw after going out of bounds. The contact resulted in a personal foul, prompting several Seahawks defenders to confront Greenlaw. During the ensuing exchange, Greenlaw head-butted Jones, who was not wearing a helmet. Jones was left bleeding following the incident, and officials ejected Greenlaw from the game.

The NFL subsequently issued Greenlaw a one game suspension. His appeal was denied, meaning he will miss San Francisco’s Monday night matchup against Washington. Greenlaw’s absence will force the 49ers to adjust their linebacker rotation as they prepare for a nationally televised game against the Commanders.

Three Suspensions Create Challenges for NFL Teams

The disciplinary decisions affect three teams at different points in the regular season, with the Rams and Bears each potentially losing key contributors for two games and the 49ers confirmed to be without Greenlaw for one contest.

Jackson’s suspension stems from a postgame altercation, Sweat’s punishment involves a violation of the league’s performance enhancing substances policy, and Greenlaw’s suspension follows an on field confrontation that resulted in his ejection.

With Jackson potentially appealing and Sweat and Greenlaw facing confirmed absences under the league’s announced disciplinary decisions, all three situations will have implications for their teams’ upcoming lineups. The suspensions also reinforce the NFL’s continued emphasis on player conduct and league policy, both during games and in the moments that follow the final whistle.