Jets outside linebacker Brandon Copeland has been suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the team announced Wednesday.
Copeland will be eligible to participate in preseason practices and games before his suspension begins. He can return to the team Monday, Oct. 7.
Copeland played in all 16 games for the Jets last season, starting 10. He had 35 tackles and five sacks. The five-year veteran has been in line to start this season as well.
It's the second hit to the Jets' linebacking corps in the past week. Avery Williamson suffered a torn ACL in Thursday night's preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons and will miss the season.
Copeland is the second Jet to be suspended to start the season. Tight end Chris Herndon will also miss the first four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy related to his DWI arrest last year.
