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Denver Broncos cornerback Kareem Jackson has returned from a two-game suspension -- and it didn't take him long to make headlines.
On the first drive of Sunday night's game between the Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings, Jackson collided with Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs, leading with his helmet and sending Dobbs to the Minnesota sideline for further evaluation. While Dobbs quickly returned to the game, the hit from Jackson brought with it more questions on whether the 35-year-old is ever going to change how he plays.
Jackson in the crosshairs again
On 3rd & 1 from the Minnesota 34, Dobbs attempted to extend the Vikings' opening drive with a first-down run. But Jackson stepped in and rung Dobbs' bell, jarring the ball loose and producing a fumble that the Broncos eventually turned into a field goal.
The hit was immediately controversial, as Jackson led with his helmet and made with Dobbs' facemask. Terry McAulay, the chief rules analyst for broadcaster NBC, said Jackson should have been assessed at least a 15-yard penalty for the hit, which looked an awful lot like targeting.
Josh Dobbs remains an inspiration as the Vikings continue to win
Will Jackson face another suspension?
Jackson this season has thrice drawn tremendous ire from fans for unsafe hits. In week 1, Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers was concussed after colliding with Jackson, while the following week saw the veteran fined more than $14,000 for a high hit on Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas.
But it wasn't until last month that the NFL decided Jackson should sit out, after the cornerback leveled Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave with another high hit. On appeal, the NFL reduced Jackson's suspension, but the league has been made to look a little foolish in the wake of the incident with Dobbs and will face some pressure to react again.