Frank Alexander Suspended 10 Games: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Updates from Thursday, Oct. 2

David Newton of ESPN passed along comments from Ron Rivera on Frank Alexander after his suspension:

Original Text

The Carolina Panthers' struggling defense got another dose of bad news Wednesday, as defensive end Frank Alexander has been suspended 10 games for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.     

The Panthers' official Twitter account confirmed Alexander's suspension:

Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer shared when Alexander can return to Carolina's lineup:

"

Alexander will be eligible to return on Dec. 15, before the Week 16 game vs. Browns.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 1, 2014"

Having just rejoined the active roster Monday following a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse, this latest mishap brings an abrupt halt to the resumption of Alexander's career.

Here was Alexander's statement when he received word of his previous banishment back in May, per ESPN.com's David Newton:

"

I recently learned that I tested positive for a substance that is banned by the NFL. The NFL policy is strict, and I have chosen to take responsibility. I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches, and Panthers fans for the effect of my mistake on the team. I will continue to work extremely hard in all team workouts, training camp, and the pre-season with my team. During the suspension, I will stay in top football shape and be ready to contribute immediately upon my return.

"

Through the first quarter of the season, Carolina ranks 27th in rush defense, allowing opponents to average 140.8 yards on the ground per conest. The team's success en route to an NFC South division title in 2013 was built around a physical front seven that was among the NFL's elite. That unit has experienced a sharp decline to start this year.

In two straight losses entering Week 5, the team has surrendered a combined 75 points.

The absence of star defensive end Greg Hardy, who is currently on the NFL's Exempt/Commissioner's Permission List due to his offseason arrest on "charges of assault on a female and communicating threats," has also had an adverse impact on the Panthers' defense. According to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole, sources close to Hardy are advising him to sit out the remainder of the season to sort out his legal matters.

With Hardy and Alexander both out of the lineup, Darin Gantt of ProFootballTalk.com believes Charles Johnson needs to begin pulling his weight:

Defensive-minded Panthers head coach Ron Rivera must find a way to plug the holes in the trenches before it's too late. Alexander was meant to contribute to that cause, but now the Panthers need others to take the reins for the foreseeable future.

Second-year defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short need to play bigger for Carolina to avoid a significant decline. Rookie second-round pick Kony Ealy received pre-draft acclaim for his combination of size and athleticism, yet he hasn't made his presence felt just yet.

For a team that appeared rather loaded up front on defense, the selection of Ealy certainly seems like a wise choice in retrospect by general manager David Gettleman. Now it's up to the Missouri product to get it done and help the Panthers bounce back from recent adversity.

A thinning backfield on offense and a banged-up franchise quarterback in Cam Newton has the Panthers' season in doubt after a promising 2-0 start. They will take on the Chicago Bears at home Sunday in a crossroads game between .500 teams that will go a long way in deciding their fates.