Stedman Bailey Suspended: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported the news Monday, indicating Bailey withdrew his appeal. Nick Wagoner of ESPN confirmed Bailey's ban, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicated Bailey's suspension was for marijuana use.

Bailey is among seven Rams pass-catchers with double-digit receptions on the year, totaling 12 on 23 targets for 183 yards and a touchdown. The 2013 third-round pick has struggled to make a consistent impact in the Rams' run-heavy offense that ranks last in the NFL in passing.

Longtime NFL reporter Howard Balzer resorted to sarcasm in describing St. Louis' offensive woes: 

Between Bailey's limited production on the field and a four-game suspension already on his record from last season due to use of performance-enhancing substances, the Rams may not tolerate the receiver's issues much longer before parting ways with him.

Not long after news of Bailey's suspension broke, Schefter reported St. Louis agreed to a one-year contract with veteran receiver Wes Welker.

There are plenty of other options for St. Louis to turn to in the receiving corps with Bailey out for the next month and Welker adapting on the fly. Brian Quick showed promise last year before tearing his rotator cuff and dislocating his shoulder, so he may have hope of cracking the rotation more consistently as he looks to regain his form.   

But it's more likely the Rams will stick with what's been working and continue to find ways for Bailey's former college teammate Tavon Austin to touch the ball and rely on rookie phenom Todd Gurley for the most part. Austin has a team-high 28 catches but has also run for 207 yards on only 25 carries, while Gurley has burst onto the scene as one of the NFL's premier running backs to ignite the Rams' playoff hopes.

If St. Louis suffers an injury in the receiving corps, Bailey's absence will be more of an issue than it is as it stands. The 24-year-old will be out for a home game against the Chicago Bears, road trips to Baltimore and Cincinnati and an NFC West battle with the Arizona Cardinals, respectively.