Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

DB Kareem Jackson's knack for brutal hits could cost Broncos dearly

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/20/23

The Denver Broncos could soon be without starting safety Kareem Jackson. Again.

Worth noting: This is the type of hit we've seen the New York command center eject players for this season. But with no flag thrown on the field, NY isn't allowed to intervene. Now another suspension could be coming instead. https://t.co/HhJtoWOGKr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 20, 2023

Just the third play for Jackson following his return from a two-game suspension (which was levied as four before appeal) and already facing more potential discipline from the NFL. https://t.co/QWQJDY1HLL
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) November 20, 2023

Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he spoke with Jackson on Monday morning and told reporters "There's nothing you can do except wait and we'll see where it goes."

This is far from the first time during the 2023 campaign where Jackson's on-field actions have made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

NFL source confirmed league reviewing #roncos' safety Kareem Jackson's hit on Josh Dobbs on opening series last night.
Jackson has already drawn 4 fines totaling $89,670 (appeals reduced), ejected twice and suspended 2 games, costing him another $279,444 in paychecks. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) November 20, 2023

As one of the core members of Denver's secondary, the 2010 draft pick's continued controversies could put the team in a difficult spot.

The Broncos have won four games in a row to get themselves back into the playoff discussion. They're currently on the postseason bubble at 5-5, second in the AFC West and tied with the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts in the conference standings a game back of the final playoff spot.

Jackson has started all eight contests which he wasn't suspended for and despite the two games missed, is still second on the squad in solo tackles (36), tied for second in interceptions (two) and tied for fourth in passes defended (three). Jackson played 100% of the defensive snaps during the Broncos' 21-20 victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11 on "Sunday Night Football."

He started all 17 games for Denver during the 2022 season, setting career highs in combined tackles (94) and assisted tackles (39), while posting three passes defended and two fumble recoveries.

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