Vontaze Burfict Reportedly Facing 4-Game Suspension for PED Policy Violation

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is reportedly facing a four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. 

Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the news Friday and noted the ban is pending an appeal. Schefter noted that "Burfict's appeal will center around the fact that he was on prescribed medication for the concussion he suffered on a hit from Steelers' wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith Schuster on Dec. 4 and that he suffered a Grade 3 shoulder AC sprain during the Detroit Lions game on Dec. 24 and was on prescribed medications for this injury as well, per another source."

Spotrac noted Burfict stands to lose approximately $1.68 million if the suspension is upheld.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided further details on the possible contract impact:

It would also mark the third time he's been suspended in as many seasons.

The 27-year-old Los Angeles native missed the first three games of the 2016 campaign for "repeated violations of safety-related playing rules."

He then received a five-game ban for a hit on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman during the 2017 preseason. It was later reduced to three contests.

Burfict finished last season with 69 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks in 10 appearances for the Bengals. Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's No. 12 linebacker.

Cincinnati, which already needed to upgrade elsewhere at the linebacker level before word of the impending suspension, will now need to focus even more on the position in free agency and the draft.