NFL Week 16 Recap and News

In a recent development, the Houston Texans have claimed safety Kareem Jackson off waivers. This move comes after Jackson was released by the Denver Broncos. In a corresponding move, the Texans have placed safety Jimmie Ward, who suffered a quad injury during a game against the Cleveland Browns, on injured reserve.

Kareem Jackson, aged 35, has had a challenging season, marked by two suspensions. His most recent suspension was for four games, while the previous one was for two games. Jackson has also been ejected from two games due to repeated violations of unnecessary roughness rules.

His first ejection occurred during a Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders when he illegally hit tight end Logan Thomas. His first suspension came after he was ejected in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 for a sideline hit on Packers tight end Luke Musgrave. Initially, Jackson was given a three-game suspension, but it was reduced to two on appeal.

In a subsequent incident against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, Jackson lowered his helmet and delivered a hard hit on quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Although he was not ejected for this hit, the league went on to suspend him for four games for repeated violations of player safety rules.

Jackson, who spent his past five seasons in Denver, reunites with Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, with whom he played his first two seasons in Houston. The Texans drafted Jackson No. 20 overall in the 2010 draft, and he went on to play nine seasons in Houston before moving to Denver.

Upon rejoining the Texans, Jackson expressed his excitement and happiness for DeMeco Ryans’ success and the young talent within the organization. He aims to be a part of the team’s puzzle and help them win their next two games and secure a spot in the playoffs.

Jackson started 69 games for the Broncos over the past five seasons, including eight this year. He returned to practice last Wednesday after serving his four-game suspension, which ended on a roster exemption that expired on Monday. However, he was not activated for Sunday night’s 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots.

With Jackson’s addition, the Texans now have two of the three players who have been suspended this season for illegal hits, alongside veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman. The third player is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Damontae Kazee.

The Houston Texans’ decision to claim Kareem Jackson off waivers demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their team and improving their chances of success in the upcoming games. As Jackson reunites with his former coach and joins a young and talented roster, fans can expect a renewed focus on player safety and a determination to secure a spot in the playoffs.