The NFL suspended Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back Kenjon Barner four games for violating the NFL policy in performance enhancing substances, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.
The former Oregon Ducks' star will be eligible to return Week 8.
Here’s the statement from the NFL regarding the suspension:
“Kenjon Barner, who is currently on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad, has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances.
Barner is eligible for reinstatement on Tuesday, Nov. 3, following the Buccaneers' Week 8 game at the New York Giants.”
Barner, in his ninth season, is currently on the Buccaneers' practice squad and while he’s listed as a running back, he is primarily the team’s kick return specialist.
Barner returned one kickoff for 33 yards and was on the field for four snaps on offense and five snaps on special teams during the Buccaneers' 38-31 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Barner was on the field for four snaps on special teams during Tampa Bay’s 28-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 3.
There is a chance the Buccaneers may release Barner, but they currently have just two healthy running backs — Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn as the only fully-available (healthy) running backs on their active roster. They don’t have any running backs currently on the practice roster and they have an upcoming Thursday Night game against the Chicago Bears.
-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold