Why Was Bucs RB Josh Williams Suspended 6 Games Without Pay By NFL?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Josh Williams has been suspended six games without pay after violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

He'll miss games against the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers and will be eligible for reinstatement on Dec. 22.

Williams, 24, was an undrafted signing this past offseason after a college career at LSU. He's appeared in three games for the Bucs, registering four carries for 11 yards. He's largely served as the team's No. 3 running back while Bucky Irving has been injured, with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker atop the depth chart.

Irving's status going forward, meanwhile, remains murky. He's missed the past five games as he deals with shoulder and toe injuries, and there doesn't appear to be a timeline for his return, though he's trending towards missing Sunday's matchup against the Bills.

Injuries have been an issue for the Bucs all season, with wideout Chris Godwin and edge-rusher Haason Reddick also sidelined in recent weeks, while receiver Mike Evans is still recovering from a broken collarbone and wideout Jalen McMillan hasn't played this season after breaking a bone in his neck during the preseason.

Despite those absences, the Bucs have gone 6-3 this season.