Rolando McClain Suspended by NFL: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended by the NFL for another violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

The NFL confirmed (via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) that McClain will miss the first 10 games this season after ESPN's Todd Archer and Adam Schefter first reported the ban, noting that McClain could forfeit his $750,000 signing bonus.

The 26-year-old McClain has had many problems throughout his NFL career. He was suspended for the first four games last season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. 

A first-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2010, McClain looked like a bust in his first three seasons, resulting in him going on a social media tirade in 2012 by saying he would "like to be anywhere besides here," per NFL.com's Marc Sessler. 

The Raiders waived McClain in April 2013, and he later signed with the Baltimore Ravens. But he retired from the NFL one month later. He made a comeback with the Cowboys, who acquired him in a trade with the Ravens, in 2014 as the team sought depth at linebacker.

McClain turned out to be one of Dallas' best defensive players in 2014, leading the team with 48 stops, per Pro Football Focus. He signed a one-year deal to remain with the Cowboys in March that will pay him nearly $5 million. 

Losing McClain for more than half of the season leaves a huge void on Dallas' defense, especially with rookie Jaylon Smith uncertain to play in 2016. Sean Lee is still a productive player who leads the defense. 

With McClain out of the picture for 10 games, Andrew Gachkar will likely be used as a starter. It's not ideal for the Cowboys, but as long as the core of their offense (Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant) remains healthy, they will be competitive in the NFC East.