Jeremiah Ratliff Suspended: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction on Bears DT

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff has been suspended for the first three games of the 2015 NFL season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Larry Mayer of the team's official website reported the news on Monday. The Chicago Tribune's Rich Campbell added that Ratliff isn't expected to appeal the decision, tweeted out the NFL's full statement on the matter and analyzed how the 33-year-old's absence will impact the Bears defense:

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted that the suspension will cost Ratliff $264,705 of his $1.5 million base salary, while NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport noted that the suspension emanates from a DWI charge in January 2013 that Ratliff pleaded guilty to this April.

"Just move on," Ratliff said when asked for his reaction to the suspension, via Zach Zaidman of the Chicago Bears Radio Network. "That's all behind me, this is the result of it."

Ratliff added that he's "going to do what I have to do and I’ll come back Week 4 and be ready to play,” per the team.

Rookie second-round pick Eddie Goldman figures to fill in as a starter until Ratliff returns. Back in June, Ratliff had nice things to say about his new teammate, per Campbell.

"You can tell he's been coached well. He came in with great feet for a big man, great speed. And his hands? You don't have to say anything to him about that," Ratliff said. "He knows what he's doing there. I've got to say I'm impressed with him."

Ratliff is a four-time Pro Bowler whose impact at the nose tackle position will be critical to the success of Chicago's defense in 2015.

For now, he will have to coach up Goldman for the Bears to get the upcoming season off to a strong start.

Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio helped San Francisco emerge as one of the NFL's premier defenses in recent years and dealt with numerous injuries and key absences from the lineup in 2014. Fangio is as capable as any play-caller to adjust amid Ratliff's three-game ban.

Fangio's familiarity with NFC West teams in Arizona and Seattle, whom Chicago faces in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, should only help the Bears' cause as well.