The Denver Broncos suffered a brutal loss in Week 16 on Christmas Eve night. They were hosting the New England Patriots with a chance to improve their playoff standing. Instead, they lost the game, dropping their record to 7-8 on the season and putting a major dent in their playoff hopes.
Leading up to the game against the Patriots, the Broncos looked like they could be getting some help on the defensive side of the ball. Safety Kareem Jackson was allowed to start practicing with the team after serving a four-game suspension for repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules this season.
It was the second time that Jackson was suspended this season, as he was also ejected twice and fined $89,670 throughout the season. He was recently asked about what, if anything, he could change after his latest suspension. Jackson responded with an answer that could be perceived as a shot at the league and his suspension.
NFL News & Rumors: Sean Payton, Kareem Jackson, Denver Broncos Updates
“I honestly don’t know, man. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just start ankle biting to keep me out of trouble, so maybe that’s something I should start doing,” Jackson said via Chris Tomasson, a Broncos reporter for the Denver Gazette.
However, Jackson was not able to show any changes he could have made to his approach as he was not activated for the team’s game on Sunday night. In fact, he is now looking for a job, as the Broncos opted to release him on Christmas Day.
Denver faced a 4 p.m. ET deadline to make a roster move as Jackson’s exemption was coming to an end. He either needed to be added to the 53-man roster or released. The Broncos opted to release the veteran safety and hope to add him back to the practice squad should he clear through waivers.
“I was told that I’m responsible for the offensive guys’ protection,” Jackson said at a recent charitable event for his foundation. “So, I’m not really sure how I protect myself, make plays and protect them as well. And I’m not really sure what I do moving forward as far as playing this game.”
NFL News & Rumors: Sean Payton, Kareem Jackson, Denver Broncos Updates
Jackson has been a mainstay in the Broncos’ secondary over the last five seasons, starting 69 games. The respected veteran was not blindsided by the move, as he was in communication with head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton last week.
He was replaced by J.P. Locke during his most recent suspension and the team opted to stick with Locke in that spot instead of activating Jackson. Locke has played well, showcasing his playmaking ability with three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in eight games this season.
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