Carolina Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander was suspended on Friday for four games as a result of violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and program for substances of abuse.
Alexander will be allowed to practice with the team during the offseason and preseason but will not be eligible to play in a 2014 regular-season game until after the Panthers face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.
In 28 games during the past two seasons, Alexander has 33 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks. The 2012 fourth-round draft pick played mostly as a reserve behind Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson.
Last season, Alexander had 15 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery in 12 games.