The NFL has issued multiple disciplinary actions and roster changes following recent games, highlighting significant developments for the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, and other teams.
Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson has been suspended for two games for his involvement in a postgame altercation after the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night at SoFi Stadium. Jackson was seen punching Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb near midfield after the game. Chubb, who was talking with players from both teams, later described the incident as an emotional response to a closely contested game and said he was unharmed. Jackson will miss the Rams’ upcoming games against the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders, and will forfeit his pay for those contests. He is eligible to return to the team after the Raiders game on October 25.
In a separate matter, Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat has also been suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The suspension was announced on Tuesday, posing a setback for the Bears as they aim to rebound from a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Sweat, who has recorded two sacks in five games this season, will miss next Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons and the Week 7 home matchup with the New England Patriots. Shemar Turner, a second-round draft pick last year currently on the active roster, is expected to fill Sweat’s spot during his absence.
Additional moves impacting the Rams include the release of kicker Harrison Mevis following inconsistent special teams performance through the early part of the season. Mevis struggled in the loss to Buffalo, missing two critical field goal attempts, including a blocked 48-yard try in overtime. Mevis’s four missed field goals over five games were the highest in the league. The Rams have signed Blake Grupe, a former New Orleans Saints player recently on the New York Jets’ practice squad, to replace Mevis. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged the special teams challenges this season and promised a comprehensive review of those units.
Elsewhere, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that left tackle Anton Harrison will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after sustaining an injury last week against the Philadelphia Eagles. Harrison will miss multiple games, including Sunday’s contest against the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium, with the recovery timeline to be determined post-surgery. Backup Walker Little is expected to take over the left tackle duties.
The Carolina Panthers also reported positive injury updates as right tackle Taylor Moton returned to practice following treatment for multiple blood clots in his right lung. Moton’s return provides a morale boost for the team amid a series of injuries. Additionally, defensive tackle Turk Wharton and running back Trevor Etienne have entered the 21-day practice window to return to full play. Wide receiver Jalen Coker also returned to practice after recovering from a quadriceps injury.
In a procedural update, the NFL reversed a previous ruling regarding defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, formerly of Mississippi and briefly affiliated with LSU. After reviewing his activities, the league determined that Harris did not participate in any official college practices or games this season, rendering him eligible to sign with NFL teams. This overturns the NFL’s September 16 decision that had barred Harris from signing during the 2026 season. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright’s status, also formerly with Mississippi and involved in similar eligibility disputes, remains unchanged.