Jerome Felton, the Vikings’ starting fullback, will miss the first three games of the regular season.
The NFL has announced that Felton is suspended three games for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Felton, who was arrested for drunk driving last year, is Adrian Peterson’s lead blocker when the Vikings line up in the I formation. He played in all 16 games for the Vikings last season, starting seven.
Although Felton will be eligible to play in Thursday’s preseason finale, he must leave the team by Saturday and will not be permitted back at practice until Monday, September 23, following Minnesota’s Week 3 game against the Browns.
Felton was a Pro Bowler last year and signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the Vikings this year.