Broncos' Jackson has 4-game suspension upheld

Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson's four-game suspension for his Week 11 hit on Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs was upheld by hearing officer Derrick Brooks on Tuesday.

Broncos' DB Kareem Jackson has been suspended without pay for four games for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. pic.twitter.com/RGMZ7VGnaL

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2023

Earlier this season, the 35-year-old had a separate four-game ban reduced to two contests for a hit to Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave in Week 7. Sunday night's game in Denver was Jackson's first contest back from his suspension.

NFL suspended Broncos' safety Kareem Jackson four games. This hit was involved. pic.twitter.com/ZXnU8jyfSI

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2023

Jackson was ejected in Week 2 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas. He wasn't suspended for the incident.

The veteran safety won't be eligible to return until Week 16 against the New England Patriots.

Jackson received support on Monday from teammate Justin Simmons, who criticized the NFL for the suspension.

"This is unbelievable," Simmons wrote on social media. "Dobbs, on this play, was playing running back. The TE was under center, snapped the ball, and tossed it back to Dobbs, who isn't defenseless. On a third-and-1, where you're fighting for every yard, how are we supposed to stop a runner from falling forward?"

Jackson has 36 tackles and two interceptions in eight games this season.

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