Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins has been suspended without pay for the first 10 games of the 2017 football season for violation of the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the Falcons announced Sunday afternoon.
The announcement marks the second straight suspension to start the season for Collins who violated the NFL's PED policy in 2016 and was suspended for the first four games of the season.
While Collins will not be eligible to return to the Falcons' active roster until Nov. 21, he is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.
Collins, who started in Super Bowl LI, recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions last season with the Falcons.
"We are extremely disappointed that for the second straight season we are dealing with a suspension for Jalen," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. "Such are the consequences when certain choices are made. Our decisions going forward will be based on what (coach Dan Quinn) and I feel is best for the team."
Collins did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The first game Collins is allowed to play in this season will be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 26.
Due to a coaching decision, the third-year defensive back out of LSU has been practicing with the Falcons' third-team defense in training camp since Tuesday. Collins told media earlier in the week he had no issues working with the third-team.
Collins was the Falcons second-round draft pick in 2015.
"It's just a coaches' decision," Collins said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday. "He's trying to get the younger guys ready. It's a situation that I've kind of dealt with before. I don't have to practice with the first team all the time. I just have to get everybody else ready and make sure I get the mental reps. Try to help the team the best I can."
On Sunday morning, Collins dressed out and participated in training camp with the rest of the defensive backs.
