Kareem Jackson’s time with the Denver Broncos is now in limbo.
The franchise released the veteran safety Monday, according to the NFL transaction wire, a day after Denver’s playoff hopes took a serious blow with a 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots.
Jackson will be available to any team on the waiver wire for 24 hours. If he goes unclaimed, the Broncos are expected to sign him back to their practice squad, according to a league source. The team has had conversations with Jackson about the process over the past few days.
Jackson, of course, has been suspended twice this season — the first for two games following a hit to the head on Green Bay tight end Luke Musgrave, and the second for four games following another controversial hit on Minnesota quarterback Josh Dobbs.
Jackson returned from his latest suspension this past week but was not part of the active roster in Sunday’s loss, with the team using a roster exemption. With that exemption expiring on Monday, the Broncos were forced to act.
P.J. Locke has started in Jackson’s place over the past five games and performed admirably, registering 35 tackles (21 solo), three sacks and two forced fumbles.
Broncos reporter Parker Gabriel contributed to this report.