Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden could miss the first four games of the 2012 NFL regular season due to a suspension for using Adderall, a league-banned substance. Head coach Mike Holmgren confirmed the suspension Tuesday, and said that Haden has already appealed the decision. Though the Browns have not heard from the league either way, Holmgren expects Haden to play in the season opener.
Joe Haden Suspension Will Boost Fantasy Opponents
Mike Holmgren confirmed that Joe Haden is facing a four-game suspension, but also said that he expects the cornerback to win his appeal with the NFL and join the Browns for the season opener Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
Analysis: The league will make no formal announcement whether or not Haden is suspended, so there's a chance that fantasy owners will have to wait until gameday to find out. Haden's absence would be a huge blow to the Browns' secondary, and a major boon to opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers. The Browns open the season, in order, with Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals, Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo Bills, and Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens. All four quarterbacks are capable of big performances against the right opponent, and should see their stock rise if Haden is out.
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