The NFL has suspended Jets running back Mike Goodson for four games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, the club announced Monday night.
Goodson, 26, has missed training camp and the Jets’ first three preseason games but rejoined the club on Monday. He signed with the Jets in the offseason.
It’s unclear specifically why Goodson was suspended, but he was arrested in May on drug and handgun charges in New Jersey.
“While we welcome Mike back to the organization, we have had direct conversations to make our expectations very clear as we work together to help him move forward in a positive manner, both on and off the field,” the Jets said in a team-issued statement.
“I’ve been away from the team to take care of some important personal things,” Goodson said in a statement from the club. “The time was helpful to me and now that I am back, I am going to do everything I can to contribute to the team. I appreciate all of the support from the Jets organization and I’m thankful to be back with my teammates.”
If Goodson fulfills the terms of his suspension, he can return for the Jets’ Oct. 7 game at Atlanta. He cannot practice with the club during his four-game ban.
Should he return, Goodson would give the Jets’ backfield a little more playmaking ability and depth. Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell are the club’s top two backs.
Goodson has rushed for 722 yards and three scores on 160 regular-season carries in his NFL career. He played for the Panthers from 2009 through 2011, then was acquired by Oakland in the 2012 offseason. Goodson appeared in 12 games as a backup for the Raiders a season ago, rushing for 221 yards on 35 carries and catching 16 passes for 195 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown against Miami.