For the third time in two years, the NFL is suspending a member of the Green Bay Packers defensive line for the start of a season.
The team announced that Mike Pennel has been suspended without pay for games one through four of the 2016 campaign due to violation of the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
The statement said he can take part in all of the team's offseason and preseason program, along with playing in preseason games.
The 2015 season began with both Letroy Guion and Datone Jones out due to suspension - Guion for three games due to a criminal case, Jones for a game due to a substance abuse issue.
Pennel played in all 16 regular season games last year and started five of them. He was listed with 16 tackles and a sack on the year, per Pro Football Reference. He also played in both postseason games last season.
