The Fourth of July holiday became something of a news dump for the NFL this year. While America celebrated its birthday, 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster, Rams guard Jamon Brown, and Packers running back Aaron Jones were all suspended for the first two games of the upcoming season. Elsewhere, New England wide receiver Julian Edelman lost the appeal of his four-game suspension under the performance-enhancing substances policy.
Reuben Foster is the biggest name on the list, and arguably the biggest loss to his team for those two games. He was taken by San Francisco with the 31st pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. In his rookie campaign, he appeared in ten games (as a starter in all) and compiled 59 tackles with 13 assists. He also accounted for a pass defended.
The second-year linebacker out of Alabama was – and is still – expected to be a huge part of the revival of one of the NFL’s most successful franchises historically. However, his age-24 season will get started later than planned due to his suspension that comes on the heels of charges dealing with a weapon and drugs. Foster pleaded no contest to the weapons charge (a misdemeanor) and had the drugs charge dismissed. Even with the dismissal, the NFL found cause to suspend him under the league’s Conduct and Substances of Abuse policy.
Foster, along with 49ers general manager John Lynch, released the following statement regarding his suspension (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network):
Following the two-game suspension and fine, #49ers LB Reuben Foster says, “I accept the League’s decision and am sorry that my mistakes have hurt my team.” … GM John Lynch released a statement, too. pic.twitter.com/IARew0yUTz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 3, 2018
Brown is entering his fourth NFL season (all with the Rams organization) and should still be considered the favorite to be L.A.’s starting right guard when he becomes eligible Week 3. His suspension falls under the NFL’s Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
The offensive linemen addressed his suspension on social media:
#minorsetback #majorcomeback pic.twitter.com/bPLRVJWHyt
— LA Rams Jamon Brown (@JB_The_GREAT_68) July 3, 2018
Jones showed signs of real explosiveness for an underwhelming Packers offense last year when it tried (and largely failed) to compensate for the injury to Aaron Rodgers. As a rookie out of Texas-El Paso, Jones appeared in 12 games (starting four) and gained 448 yards on 81 carries (a mark of 5.5 yards per attempt) and four touchdowns. He also added nine catches for 22 yards. He was given his suspension for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
Like Brown, Jones released a statement on his social media pages:
This won’t Define Me??? pic.twitter.com/b7mnhGf6wX
— Aaron Jones 3??3?? (@Showtyme_33) July 3, 2018
Edelman’s suspension was previously reported, and his appeal was largely expected to be denied.
