Canadian offensive lineman Alaric Jackson has been suspended for the first two games of the 2024 NFL season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
No other details were provided by the league regarding the nature of the violation. The NFL’s personal conduct policy covers anything “illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible [which] puts innocent victims at risk, damages the reputation of others in the game, and undercuts public respect and support for the NFL.” Offences range from violent crimes to minor drug possession and disorderly conduct, though a criminal conviction or charge is not require for a suspension.
Jackson was projected as the opening-day starter for the Los Angeles Rams at left tackle after signing a one-year restricted free-agent tender with the club this offseason worth $4.89 million.
The native of Windsor, Ont. made 15 starts in 2023, tying for first in the NFL in sacks allowed (one) among offensive tackles who played more than 500 snaps. He helped the Rams finish with the seventh-best sack rate in the league at 5.5 percent.
Jackson has dressed for 27 regular season games since 2021 when he signed with Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent, making 21 starts. He won Super Bowl LVI in a depth role behind Andrew Whitworth, who has since retired.
The six-foot-seven, 345-pound blocker was a four-year starter at the University of Iowa, making 42 career starts at left tackle. He was named first-team All-Big Ten as a senior, third-team All-Big Ten as a junior, and second-team All-Big Ten as a sophomore.
Jackson was selected in the second round of the 2021 CFL Draft by the B.C. Lions, though it appears unlikely that he will ever play north of the border.
