Suspensions Could Prove Costly To Some NFL Teams

Added on Aug 30, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

In less than two weeks the 2010 NFL season will be under way. As preseason winds down and final cuts are made, some teams will enter opening week missing key players due to suspensions. In a sport where every game matters, hitting the field without an important contributor for multiple games could be the difference between making the playoffs and being an also-ran. Here are six players whose early suspensions will impact their respective teams.

Shawn Nelson (Bills) – After a disappointing rookie campaign, Shawn Nelson was being counted on to deliver more firepower from the tight end position. A four-game hit for violating the league’s substance abuse policy puts a major damper on the Bills plans. In an offense short on talent, Nelson’s absence will be felt.

LenDale White (Titans) – Because of injuries to Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter, recently signed LenDale White currently sits atop the Broncos running back depth chart. However, his impending four-game knock serves to further damage a desperately thin backfield. He might not even make the team, but it seems likely he will, despite being unavailable until mid-October.

Vincent Jackson (Chargers) – This is pretty much a nightmare for all parties involved. Not only is Jackson suspended for the first three games, but he’s also holding out and demanding a contract the Chargers have no intention of giving him. Whether he’s traded or sits out for an extended period of time, his loss will hinder a Chargers receiving corps that lacks depth.

Santonio Holmes (Jets) – Holmes has been a naughty boy since entering the NFL in 2006. His most recent legal trouble will cost him the first four games of 2010, leaving the Jets without a true number one wideout. Unless you believe Braylon Edwards can fill the role. Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Brian Cushing (Texans) – Houston is hoping to take a major step toward the playoffs this season fresh off a 9-7 2009. That journey will be a lot tougher to complete without their NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Cushing will sit the first month after testing positive for high levels of the hormone hCg last September.

Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) – Big Ben will find out on Friday whether his offseason activities will result in a six- or four-game suspension. All signs point toward commissioner Roger Goodell handing down the latter, but this isn’t the first time Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault, so Goodell could opt to keep it at six. At any rate, the Steelers aren’t better off with either Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon under center.