The Denver Broncos are attempting to end the season on a high note and they'll have to do so without one of their starting defensive backs. According to Adam Schefter, the NFL has suspended Kareem Jackson for the final two games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Jackson issued an apology shortly after the suspension was announced:

The Broncos signed Jackson last offseason to a three-year, $33 million deal. The veteran cornerback spent his first nine seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans.

When Jackson arrived in Denver, he was asked to make the switch to strong safety and he's made the transition process smooth. In his first year with the Broncos, Jackson has tallied 71 tackles, 10 deflections, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown.

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Along with those numbers, Jackson has allowed 28 receptions on 43 targets per Pro Football Focus. The 31-year-old has helped sure up Denver's secondary alongside Chris Harris Jr. and Justin Simmons.

Unfortunately, Jackson won't be able to finish his first season with the Broncos. As a result, the Broncos could be forced to deploy Trey Marshall or Will Parks at strong safety in the team's final two games.

Marshall is an undrafted strong safety out of Florida State that signed with Denver in 2018. On the other hand, Parks has more experience with the defense; starting in 14 games with the team since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

In Vic Fangio's first season as head coach, the Broncos have the 10th ranked pass defense. The pass defense will undoubtedly take a hit with Jackson being sidelined for the rest of the season.