Falcons LB James is unavailable for first four regular-season games

The Atlanta Falcons linebacker Robert James now can take some more time to wear his favorite Brett Favre jersey while preparing for his first regular-season game, which will be four week later than his team’s first one. According to reports, the NFL has suspended the third-year linebacker for four regular season games for violation against the league’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substance.

So James will get more preparing time than his teammates as he will be eligible to participate in team’s training camp and the preseason as well as practice facility. However, what the linebacker really worries about is that his starting job might be taken away during the time he is absent. The former fifth-round draft pick in 2008 had already lost his favor with Falcons head coach Mike Smith since the arrival of first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon. A lot of people are expecting that the rookie linebacker will win a competition for the starting role at linebacker to replace James during the veteran’s absence.

If Weatherspoon can prove that he is a much better linebacker than James, he could remain the starter even after James returns for the Falcons’ fifth regular-season game. In that case, James may regret a lot for not taking care of his off-field issues.

Vikings’ Williamses can still participate in offseason workouts

Local judge has already released his ruling on the case of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams but it is still pending whether the league will carry out the four-game suspension with the two, but they are at least still eligible for team’s offseason program or training camp and even can play in preseason games.

There have quite a few other cases of suspended NFL players still able to take part in offseason workouts and play in preseason games. San Diego Chargers linebacker Stephen Cooper still took part in all team activities and preseason games although he was serving a four-game suspension for testing positive of banned stimulant in 2008; and recently Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger received a six-game suspension but is still allowed to attend any offseason activities as long as he completes behavioral evaluation. So it’s also possible for the Williamses to appear in their Vikings jerseys for preseason games.

If the Williamses are going to serve the four-game suspension, they will actually miss five weeks as the Vikings’ bye week is scheduled in Week 4. Without starting tackles for one quarter of the regular season, the Vikings may have to look for the qualified tackle on open market for replacement at the position during the first five weeks.

Free agent NT Ferguson received an eight-game suspension for using banned substances

According to the NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, free agent Jason Ferguson, who spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, will not be allowed to play in the first eight games of the 2010 season as he violated NFL policy by using performance-enhancing substances.

Aiello confirmed on Sunday that the discipline was handed down late this week but could offer no further details. And it is not the first time Ferguson was suspended for using banned substances. Back in 1999, he had a four-game suspension for violating NFL drug policy after an anabolic steroid showed up during a urine test.

Because of a quadriceps injury in last November, Ferguson finished the rest of last season on injured reserve. Having been a free agent for more than three days, Ferguson has not received any new contract, either from the Dolphins or another team. With the new suspension, it could be even harder for him to wear back NFL jerseys with a new deal done being worked out in near future.

Jets LB Pace received suspension for positive drug test

It was announced by the NFL that Jets LB Calvin Pace received a a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, which Pace said is included in a supplement in a statement released by the team.

“This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the league’s policy,” Pace said. “I am responsible for what I put into my body, and I should have paid closer attention to the league’s guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.”

Pace can still participate in all preseason practices and games and he will not be able to play games for the Jets in season until Monday, Oct. 5.