Jets' Herndon suspended; will miss opener against the Bills

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Photo credit Photo: Vincent Carchietta - USA TODAY Sports

With Rob Gronkowski retired from the NFL, New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon may be the best tight end in the AFC East.

The New England Patriots haven't done much of anything to replace Gronkowski, while the Miami Dolphins have no one noteworthy at the position, and the Buffalo Bills have a couple of rookies and a banged up Tyler Kroft.

Herndon had as good of a rookie season as you see tight ends have, starting in 12 games for the Jets with 39 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns. That ranked first, second, and first among rookie tight ends last season.

On Friday, Herndon learned that he will be suspended for the first four games of the 2019 season.

Jets’ TE Chris Herndon has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on substances of abuse.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 12, 2019

Herndon's suspension stems from a DUI arrest from June 2, 2018. He was speeding at over 100 mph and his car nearly rolled over. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that the suspension was supposed to be two games, but was upped to four after a woman at the scene of the crash claimed bodily harm.

Barring any appeals, Herndon will not suit up in the season opener against the Bills.

The other Jets tight ends combined for just eight receptions last season. They did add to the position by drafing Trevon Wesco in the fourth round this year out of West Virginia.

Whoever ends up starting for the Jets at tight end on September 8, the Bills will catch a break by not having to see Herndon. Not only did he put up good production in his rookie season, but he's been constantly talked up this offseason.

Adam Gase, speaking at NFL Combine, with high praise for Chris Herndon. Calls him a “unicorn”-type player. #Jets pic.twitter.com/5fXmy5jjXo

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) February 27, 2019

The Bills have questions at tight end as well.

It is not known whether Tyler Kroft will be healthy by the opener, or what they'll get out of rookies Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney. The Bills also have veteran Lee Smith in the picture, but he has been more of a blocking tight end throughout his career.