Vikings defensive end Spencer Nealy has been suspended for four games this season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances on Friday.
Nealy is eligible to return the Monday after the Vikings play the Falcons in Week 4. He can still participate in all offseason practices and preseason games.
The 24-year-old is in his second season out of Texas A&M. Nealy joined the Vikings for the final two weeks of the preseason last year before he was cut. He spent six of the final seven weeks of the regular season on the Vikings practice squad last year.
Here's the statement the NFL Players Association released on Nealy's behalf.
"Recently I learned from the NFL that I tested positive for a stimulant that is banned under the NFL policy. I worked with my agent and the union to investigate the test results, and I learned that a supplement I took contained a banned stimulant. I understand that the NFL policy is very strict, and I take responsibility. I'm very sorry for the impact of this situation on my teammates, the Vikings organization and Vikings fans. I will work extremely hard during training camp, and during the suspension, I will stay in top shape and will be ready to contribute upon my return."
