Broncos Will Be Without Key Starter On Defense Against Browns
Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has one less member of the Denver secondary to worry about on Sunday.
That's because, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended earlier this week for violating the NFL's player safety rules. While Jackson hoped to have the suspension reduced following an appeal the punishment was upheld by the league, guaranteeing Jackson will be out for Sunday's matchup with Cleveland.
It was unlikely Jackson's suspension would be reduced enough to be available against Cleveland anyway, but now it's official.
The suspension stems from a hit Jackson put on former Browns QB Josh Dobbs, during Denver's Sunday Night Football win over the Minnesota Vikings. On the play in question, Jackson is clearly seen launching himself with the crown of his helmet lowered, into Dobbs in what is a textbook penalty by NFL standards.
Making matters worse, the 35-year-old made contact with Dobbs' helmet on the play, which forced the Tennessee product to enter the team's concussion protocol. Dobbs did clear the protocols and ultimately returned to the game.
Interestingly enough, the matchup with Minnesota was Jackson's first game back on the field since being suspended two games for a very similar, violent lowering of the helmet type hit. In that case, Jackson also appealed what was also a four game suspension and had it cut in half. For his second offense, in a matter of four weeks the NFL stuck to a four-game punishment this time around.
The 14-year vet has developed quite the reputation for delivering questionable hits, with two suspensions and four fines this season alone. Jackson is third on the Broncos in total tackles with 51. He's also registered two interceptions and three pass breakups.
With Cleveland sticking with Thompson-Robinson at quarterback after he orchestrated a 13-10 win over the Steelers last weekend, Jackson's absence takes one key piece of the Broncos defense off the scouting report ahead of Sunday.
