The NFL has announced that it has suspended Vikings fullback Jerome Felton three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy (see NFL statement below).
Felton made the pro bowl last year after sharing the backfield and lead blocking for 2,000-yard rusher Adrian Peterson, who became just the seventh player in the history of the NFL to break the plateau.
Peterson had this to say on KFAN-FM 100.3 earlier today: “It’s a bit of a blow, but like any other situation, you have to have a guy that can pick up the slack. Its unfortunate, but we have to keep going and keep it moving until he gets back.”
Felton had missed the previous two preseason games after undergoing an emergency appendectomy Aug. 14, and was expected to miss the rest of the preseason following the procedure.
The pro-bowler’s suspension begins at the end of the preseason, and a statement released by the NFL puts Felton’s reinstatement date at Monday, Sept. 23, following Minnesota’s game against Cleveland.
STATEMENT BY AN NFL SPOKESPERSON:
Jerome Felton of the Minnesota Vikings has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2013 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Felton will be eligible to return to the Vikings’ active roster on Monday, September 23 following the team’s September 22 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Felton is eligible to participate in the final week of preseason, including Thursday’s game. His suspension starts on Saturday, August 31.
