Redskins LB Trent Murphy Reportedly Facing 4-Game Suspension for PEDs

On Sunday, Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post reported Washington outside linebacker Trent Murphy is facing a four-game suspension to begin the 2017 campaign because of performance-enhancing drugs.

John Keim of ESPN confirmed the report, and Tesfatsion noted Murphy has appealed the suspension.

Murphy entered the league as a second-round pick in 2014 but broke out in 2016 with nine sacks, three forced fumbles and 47 combined tackles. Those were all career highs for an 8-7-1 Washington team that finished in third place in the NFC East.

The timing is less than ideal for Murphy considering he is just 26 years old and looking to build on his impressive year alongside pass-rushers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.

The only way Washington will catch the Dallas Cowboys in the division in the near future is an improved defensive showing after it was 28th in the league in yards allowed per game in 2016. Smith's presence and continued improvement is potentially a major part of said improvement, amplifying the importance of the suspension.

Tesfatsion noted the suspension "is just one of many questions" at outside linebacker for the team heading into the meat of the offseason. He pointed to Smith's relative inconsistency and the fact Junior Galette hasn't played for Washington since he signed a deal in 2015.

Washington could target a pass-rusher in April's draft to help address these issues, especially if Murphy's four-game suspension is ultimately upheld upon appeal.