Rams Player Suspended for Punch as Kicker Cut by Club After Costly Loss

The fallout from the Los Angeles Rams’ dramatic overtime defeat continued into Tuesday as the NFL handed down discipline and the club made a decisive roster change. Offensive tackle Alaric Jackson received a two-game suspension for punching an opponent, while kicker Harrison Mevis was released following critical misses that head coach Sean McVay said directly cost the team the game.

The Rams fell 37-34 to the Buffalo Bills in overtime on Monday Night Football at SoFi Stadium. Emotions remained high after the final whistle, and the consequences quickly became clear for two members of the roster.

Alaric Jackson Suspended for Postgame Punch

Jackson, the Rams’ starting left tackle, was suspended two games without pay after he struck Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb near midfield once the game had ended. Television cameras captured the incident during the customary postgame jersey exchanges and handshakes.

Jackson had already removed his shoulder pads and jersey while exchanging with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker. Chubb appeared to say something in Jackson’s direction. The Rams lineman then approached Chubb and delivered a right-handed punch to the face. Teammates from both sides quickly intervened, with Rams tight end Colby Parkinson pulling Jackson away.

The NFL cited a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers acts contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship. Jackson is scheduled to miss the upcoming games against the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. He remains eligible to return for the Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers if the suspension stands.

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Jackson intends to appeal the decision under the collective bargaining agreement. McVay stressed he wanted to understand the full context before offering detailed comments, while making clear he did not condone the action. “Have to make better decisions than that,” McVay said.

Chubb downplayed the incident afterward, attributing it to the intensity of a close contest. “It’s just emotions, you know what I mean? Emotional game, it was a close game,” he told reporters. The veteran chose not to retaliate and said the matter was already behind him.

Jackson, 28, has been a mainstay on the Rams’ offensive line since joining the team as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021. He has started every game this season. In his absence, the Rams are expected to turn to David Quessenberry at left tackle.

Kicker Harrison Mevis Released After Critical Misses

In a separate but equally significant move, the Rams waived kicker Harrison Mevis less than 24 hours after the loss. Mevis missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter and later saw a potential game-winning 48-yard try blocked by Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau in overtime.

McVay was blunt in his assessment immediately after the game. “The kicking game, especially with our PAT, field goal, not even close to good enough,” he said. “It cost us the game tonight.”

Mevis, 24, had converted only five of nine field goal attempts this season, including just one of his previous four tries across the past two games. Although he had been perfect on extra points throughout his career and performed strongly after joining the Rams mid-season in 2025—including a perfect postseason the previous year—his consistency this season fell short of expectations.

To replace him, the Rams signed Blake Grupe off the New York Jets’ practice squad. The 27-year-old has converted 81.9 percent of his field goals and 98 percent of his extra-point attempts across 50 NFL games with the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. McVay noted Grupe’s experience in professional settings as a key factor in the decision.

Broader Implications for the Rams

The dual developments leave the Rams managing both a temporary hole on the offensive line and a permanent change at one of the most scrutinized positions in football. Special teams have long been an area of inconsistency for the franchise under McVay, and the latest struggles prompted immediate action.

Jackson’s suspension adds pressure on the offensive line as the team prepares for a pair of challenging games. Meanwhile, the arrival of Grupe represents an attempt to stabilize the kicking unit at a critical point in the season.

Both situations stem from the same high-stakes Monday night contest that ended in disappointment for Los Angeles. As the Rams move forward, the focus shifts to how quickly they can adapt on the line and whether the new kicker can provide the reliability the coaching staff demands. The coming weeks will reveal the full impact of these rapid changes.

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