OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Asa Jackson has been suspended without pay for the first eight games of the regular season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
"My reaction to that is that you've got to follow the rules," coach John Harbaugh said after practice Friday. "If you don't follow the rules, you get suspended. That's a fair rule, there's no place for that, and he's getting what he deserves.
"As far as what it does to our corner depth, that's one less corner that we have. We'll be missing Asa those first eight weeks. Whether he'll back after that, time will tell."
Jackson received a four-game suspension as a rookie last season for the same reason. This suspension is for eight games because it's his second violation.
Drafted in the fifth round out of Cal Poly, Jackson played in only two games last season for the Super Bowl champions.
Jackson will be eligible to return to the active roster Nov. 4 after the team's game against Cleveland on Nov. 3. He is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.
