The NFL cracked down on Chris Herndon on Friday. The league handed the Jets second-year tight end a four-game suspension for a substance abuse policy violation. He pleaded guilty to DUI in June of 2018.
A first-time offender is usually handed a two-game suspension, but according to NFL.com, Herndon received four games, not two, because a woman at the scene later claimed bodily harm due to the crash.
Herndon will be suspended without pay for the first four games of the season, which will cost him $134,000. He can participate in training camp and preseason games, but he will not be eligible to return until after the Oct. 6 matchup against the Eagles.
The suspension essentially removes the tight end position from the Jets’ passing attack for the first four weeks of the season. Remaining on New York’s depth chart are Daniel Brown, Trevon Wesco and Eric Tomlinson, who are all considered primarily to be blocking tight ends.
Now, it is up to Joe Douglas to scour the market for a starting-caliber tight end who can be effective in the passing game. New York can use Quincy Enunwa as an H-Back like it has in the past, but that will only thin out its wide receiver depth as well.
Herndon impressed as a rookie, finishing second on the Jets with 502 receiving yards, which also ranked second among rookie tight ends. He led all first-year players at his position with 39 receptions, catching four touchdowns in the process.
Herndon will appeal his suspension, according to the New York Daily News. If his suspension is upheld, he will not suit up until Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys.
