NFL Players Who Could Be Suspended Before Week 1, including 3 All-Pros
Sportsnaut · Matt Johnson · 2026-08-16T18:12:56+00:00 · nguồn gốc
The National Football League delivered a classic Friday news dump before the weekend, with four players receiving suspensions to start the 2026 NFL season. Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. received the largest multi-game ban, but he might not be the only big name who is suspended before the regular season kicks off.
Let’s take a look at a few NFL players who could be suspended before Week 1. Of note with this list, it’s already been reported that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is not expected to be suspended for violating his probation as it wasn’t a new violation of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
Alaric Jackson, Left Tackle, Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams could have a pair of NFL players, two starters, suspended for their regular-season opener in Australia. Left tackle Alaric Jackson previously had a felony domestic violence charge against him, but the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office dropped the felony charge as part of a pre-filing diversion. The domestic violence incident falls directly under the personal conduct policy and the Rams’ left tackle could be facing a lengthier ban, given he was already suspended two games in 2024 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following a civil suit for allegedly filming a sexual encounter without the woman’s consent. There’s no timeline for an announcement, but we’d be surprised if Jackson plays in September.
Puka Nacua, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua has made plenty of headlines in recent months for his behavior and comments off the field, with one of those incidents already resulting in discipline from the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver received a $25,000 fine in December for public comments he made about officials during a livestream with Adin Ross. The All-Pro wideout has since faced legal scrutiny following an alleged incident on New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles, where he reportedly made antisemitic remarks and allegedly made an “unprovoked antisemitic statement” and later bit a woman on her shoulder. While Nacua has avoided further incidents and both went to a rehab facility and began undergoing therapy this offseason, there’s still a very real chance the NFL suspends him multiple games and missing Week 1 is squarely on the table.
Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver, Free Agent
A slow recovery from a devastating knee injury last season, in which he suffered multiple ligament tears, isn’t the only reason Tyreek Hill isn’t on an NFL roster right now. The former All-Pro offensive weapon reportedly might not be cleared to play football until midway through the 2026 NFL season. On top of that, he could be facing a suspension whenever he’s signed. Hill has a lengthy history of off-field issues and allegations of abuse, including recently. Court documents released in October detailed eight allegations of domestic violence against him. He also faced a lawsuit from an influencer alleging that Hill broke her leg during a football lesson at his house when Hill “became enraged, and forcefully and purposefully shoved her.”
Josh Jacobs, Running Back, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was arrested in May on five charges, which included felony strangulation with misdemeanor counts for assault, criminal damage to property, intimidation of a victim and disorderly conduct. He’s since been practicing with the team, with local prosecutors still mulling charges months later with the investigation ongoing as his lawyer continues to “vehemently” deny the claims made against him. Given the uncertainty surrounding the legal situation, we had presumed that Jacobs likely wouldn’t face a suspension from the NFL until the 2027 season. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that an announcement of a suspension for Jacobs before Week 1 is on the table.
Read More: Green Bay Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction after Preseason Week 1
Jonathon Cooper, Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who has started all 17 games for the team in each of the last three seasons, was arrested twice this offseason. He was first arrested on June 4, along with his girlfriend, by Parker Police, and charged with assault by strangulation (second-degree felony). Days later, he was arrested again and this time booked on four charges, including harassment and violation of a protection order. The 28-year-old is now collectively facing charges of second-degree assault (strangulation), third-degree assault (knowingly or recklessly causing injury), criminal mischief, violating a protective order and harassment. While he’s been practicing throughout Broncos training camp, a multi-game suspension is likely.