Good thing the Detroit Lions loaded up on rotational defensive tackles this offseason.
The NFL announced Monday that Lions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton has been suspended for the first six games of the 2017 season for violating the league's policy on substances of abuse.
Thornton played in 13 games and had one sack as a backup for the Lions last year, and was scheduled to compete for a roster spot this fall with sixth-round pick Jeremiah Ledbetter and a handful of low-priced free agents.
Thornton still is eligible to take part in training camp and preseason games, but his suspension will run through the Lions' Oct. 15 game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Lions have a bye in Week 7 of the NFL season, and Thornton will be eligible to return to action _ should the Lions want him on their 53-man roster _ Oct. 29 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Thornton's suspension hurts the Lions from a depth standpoint, but his loss shouldn't be difficult to overcome given the composition of their roster.
Haloti Ngata and A'Shawn Robinson are expected to start at defensive tackle this fall, and the Lions signed Akeem Spence early in free agency to be their top interior line backup.
Ledbetter, who played both end and tackle at Arkansas, and free-agent additions Jordan Hill, Ego Ferguson and Bruce Gaston also will vie for backup spots, and defensive end Anthony Zettel also can play tackle.
Thornton's agent, Rodney Edwards, did not immediately return a request for comment.
