The NFL suspended linebacker Markus Bailey, who has been on the practice squad, on Tuesday for six games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Bailey can return after the Week 17 game against the Rams, with one week left in the regular season.
Bailey was elevated from the practice squad and played in one game this season.
The Cardinals filled Bailey’s spot on the practice squad by re-signing offensive lineman Charlie Heck, who had been released from the roster on Monday. That leaves an open roster spot, with the deadline to activate offensive lineman Jonah Williams from Injured Reserve coming Wednesday.
Bailey commented in a statement released to the media.
“Anyone who knows me knows I would never have purposely taken any banned substance and that I’ve always been very intentional about what I put in my body,” Bailey wrote. “I’ve been tested countless times over the course of my NFL and college career and I’ve always been clean. I am accepting the suspension now so that I can put this behind me and get back in the locker room with my brothers as soon as possible this season. I have always been and will always be a clean athlete.”
