NFL suspends Broncos DB Kareem Jackson before Chiefs game

The Denver Broncos learned on Monday that they are going to be short-handed going into their next few games, including a second showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs this season, due to a looming suspension for defensive back Kareem Jackson.

The NFL announced a suspension of Jackson of four games on Monday for violating the league's unnecessary roughness rules, per a press release from the league.

Jackson was punished for his play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. NFL's VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan told Jackson, "On the play in question, you delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of a defenseless receiver, when you had the time and space to avoid such contact. You could have made contact with your opponent within the rules, yet you chose not to."

The Broncos face the Chiefs on Sunday in Week 8. Jackson will also miss a road trip to face the Buffalo Bills and then home contests against the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns.

Given that the Broncos are already in the divisional basement of the AFC West at 2-5, it's only going to be that much tougher for them to climb out with a surprise win at Mile High against the visiting Chiefs, who are 6-1 so far on the season and 8.5 point favorites to start the week over Denver.

Jackson has started all seven games for the Broncos so far this season with 42 total tackles and 2 interceptions so far on the season. His presence further decimates a secondary that's wrestled with injuries and inconsistency all season.