Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating its policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the league announced Monday afternoon.
It's a seismic development for the team and the player. Jeffery is under contract with the Bears for only seven more games, having been designated the team's franchise player in 2016 for a one-year salary of $14.6 million.
"I know Alshon is embarrassed by it," coach John Fox said minutes after the suspension was announced. "I'm sure 'disappointed' would be a good word for the rest of us."
Jeffery is one of few difference makers on the team. He managed to stay healthy and productive for the first nine games of the season a year after various lower-body soft tissue injuries sidelined him for seven contests. This year's consistency seemed to put him on course for a contract extension in the offseason. Now the Bears will have this suspension to consider.
Jeffery is eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 12 and play the final three games, beginning with the Bears' game against the Packers on Sunday, Dec. 18.
