Nikita Whitlock Suspended: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction on Giants FB

New York Giants fullback Nikita Whitlock received a 10-game suspension Thursday for a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The Giants announced the news on their official website.

James Kratch of NJ Advance Media noted Whitlock will start serving the suspension immediately even though he's on the injured reserve list.

Whitlock served a four-game suspension while he was a free agent in 2014. He signed with the Giants practice squad after the ban expired and has spent the past two years with the organization.

The 25-year-old Wake Forest product went undrafted in 2014 after playing both linebacker and defensive tackle during his time with the Demon Deacons. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and converted to a new position as a fullback.

Whitlock also made a stop with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad before finding a home in New York.

The Texas native stated in June he was hoping to play a wide-ranging two-way role for the Giants during the 2016 campaign, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com.

"I just look at myself as a tool," Whitlock said. "On offense, I've got the hammerhead, and on defense, I've got the nail remover. So whatever job they need done, I'll do it."

Those hopes were dashed after he suffered a foot injury in August, which landed him on the IR list. His 2015 season also came to a premature conclusion because of a knee injury.

Since Whitlock can serve the suspension concurrently with his time on injured reserve, he'll be eligible to return next season. Spotrac noted he'll be an exclusive-rights free agent in the offseason.