Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has been activated from the Reserve/Suspended list after completing his two-game NFL ban, the team announced Tuesday.
In a corresponding roster move, the Broncos waived defensive tackle Keondre Coburn, whom the club hopes to bring back via the practice squad.
Jackson was initially suspended four games by the league, citing its unnecessary roughness rules. The punishment, cut in half upon appeal, stemmed from a questionable hit on Packers tight end Luke Musgrave during Denver's Week 7 victory over Green Bay. Jackson was disqualified for the remainder of the contest and disciplined the next day.
Jackson, who's garnered a head-hunting reputation due to a physical style of play, had been fined on four separate occasions for illegal hits — totaling nearly $90,000 — prior to his ejection. Factoring in the two surrendered game checks, Jackson lost $279,444 of his $2.515 million salary for the 2023 campaign.
"He’s someone that’s smart and really wants to do the right thing," Broncos coach Sean Payton said on Oct. 23. "It’s one of the toughest parts of our game for the officials, for the players, for all of us involved of getting that to where it’s clear and easy. Sometimes, it’s just not.”
Jackson is now eligible to practice and suit up for Sunday night's tilt against the white-hot Minnesota Vikings. His return comes at an ideal time as Broncos S PJ Locke suffered an ankle injury in Week 10. Locke had been starting in place of Jackson, opposite Justin Simmons.
A 14th-year vet, Jackson has recorded 30 solo tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions across 406 defensive snaps this season.
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