Von Miller has had a troubled offseason. He earned a four-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's drug policy and was arrested this past Sunday for failing to appear in court for a traffic violation. Despite his troubles, the Denver Broncos outside linebacker was able to return to the team Thursday, and is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL news roundup: Von Miller to return to Broncos, Adrian Peterson supports Johnny Manziel
Von Miller will be returning to the Broncos despite his recent offseason trouble, and Adrian Peterson became the latest player to come out in support of Johnny Manziel. Those stories, plus Daryl Washington, the NFL’s new bag policy and Coby Fleener.
Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
Miller also met with NFLPA lawyers Thursday in preparation to appeal his suspension by the NFL. According to sources, Miller’s suspension was not due to a positive drug test. He did test positive for marijuan during his rookie season. Players can also violate the league’s drug policy by missing or showing up late for counseling sessions.
Adrian Peterson is the latest NFL player to come out in support of Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, and advocate that college football players should be able to be paid for the use of their names. Via his interview with FOX Sports on Thursday:
“I think if you are in a position to where people want to pay you for your autographs or signatures, then you should be able to do that. He’s a young man and he should be able to sign his name on a helmet or wherever without it being an issue.”
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant also stumped for Manziel recently.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington will be forced to serve his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy after having his appeal denied at the NFL office in New York City on Thursday. Washington was handed the suspension in April.
Washington broke out as one of the best inside linebackers in the league last season, racking up 134 tackles, nine sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles. He was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for his efforts. Offseason signee Jasper Brinkley is expected to fill in for the Cardinals as Washington sits.
The NFL bag policy has a new motto: “Be Clear.” New rules limit the size and type of bags that can be carried into stadiums, mandating that anything bigger than the size of small clutch purse be made of see-through plastic or PVC. The bags cannot be larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and purses cannot be larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, or roughly the size of a hand.
The NFL will sell clear plastic totes on their website, though fans won’t be discouraged from bringing bags from home. The new bag policy will make exceptions for those with extenuating medical circumstances.
Coby Fleener is back in practice for the Indianapolis Colts after sitting since Tuesday due to a concussion. Fleener is expected to play Sunday when the Colts take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 2 of the preseason.
Fleener's return is great news for the Colts. Fellow second-year tight end Dwayne Allen is currently dealing with a foot injury that could keep him out until the start of the regular season. Fleener had 26 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie.
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