FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – Atlanta Falcons guard Matt Lehr was suspended four games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Lehr, a fifth-round draft choice by the Dallas Cowboys in 2001, is part of an offensive unit that leads the NFL in rushing yardage. He’ll be eligible to return to the Falcons’ active roster on Nov. 13.
“Obviously, we are disappointed, but the NFL’s policies are very clear that all NFL players are responsible for what goes into their bodies – regardless of the source,” coach Jim Mora said in a statement. “We have options to replace Matt over the next four weeks that we are very comfortable with.”
The Falcons face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Tyson Clabo, who has never started an NFL game, and Austin King, who started at guard in last season’s final game, are Lehr’s likely replacements.
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