The NFL suspended more than 30 players prior to the start of the 2015 season. Guys like Josh Gordon and Dion Jordan won't be returning thanks to season-long bans, but some big-name players will be back in action for teams going into Week 5.
Chargers, Jets big winners with suspended players returning this week
The Jets will get Sheldon Richardson, the Chargers will get Antonio Gates and a whole bunch of suspended players are returning this week.
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A total of 14 players were suspended four games for various reasons; 13 of those 14 are set to return this week. The exception was New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, had a high-profile appeal that was eventually denied and then overturned by the courts, so he's been in action (and playing quite well for New England on top of that).
Tight end Antonio Gates, defensive end Derek Wolfe, linebacker Victor Butler, tackle R.J. Dill and guard Ryan Seymour were all suspended for performance-enhancing substances.
Defensive end Sheldon Richardson, linebacker Rolando McClain, wide receiver Martavis Bryant and running back Trey Watts were all handed suspension for violating the league's substance abuse program.
Defensive end Greg Hardy and linebackers IK Enemkpali and Brandon Spikes were suspended four games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Lastly, offensive tackle Eben Britton was suspended for an undisclosed violation. That's a lot of suspensions, and that is only listing the players who were suspended four games.
Below, we’re going to take a look at some of the players mentioned above and the impact they could have on the field for their teams.
The rich get richer
It's a long season, and it's anybody's guess where Todd Bowles and the New York Jets wind up at the end of it, but if you had to make one prediction, "will finish with a top 10 defense" is probably a good one. The Jets don't do everything right, but they have defense down. They're currently ranked in the top five in total defense, top three in passing defense.
One of the reasons the defense is so good is the fact that the Jets have such a strong defensive front. They are 3-1 on the season and are starting to seem like the only team in that division with any hope of maybe beating New England Patriots. Things will get a whole lot easier when Sheldon Richardson comes back. Fortunately for the Jets, they have a bye week so there’s plenty of time for Richardson to shake the rust off before they play Washington.
The Denver Broncos are another team fielding a very strong defense this season. The Broncos rank second in total defense thus far, behind only the Tennessee Titans, who have already taken a bye week. Denver has a top three pass defense and a top 10 rush defense. When they play the Oakland Raiders this week they'll have defensive lineman Derek Wolfe back from suspension.
Wolfe is a player on the rise. He will immediately shuffle into the rotation up front, beefing up Denver's run defense. Peyton Manning might not look as good as he has in year's past, but with this defense, he doesn't have to.
Gates is a sorely-needed addition
San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. Gates has 99 touchdowns in 12 seasons so far, the second-most of any tight end, and he only needs 12 more to break Tony Gonzalez's career record (111). Philip Rivers has definitely missed him through the first four weeks of the season, and he should provide a big boost to an offense that really needs it.
Bryant poised for breakout year?
Martavis Bryant established himself as a weapon during his rookie season. He played in just 10 games and caught 26 passes for 549 yards, but he his eight touchdown receptions. He won’t be quite as effective with Mike Vick at quarterback, but it won’t hurt the Steelers to have another set of hands on the field.
Bryant caught seven passes of at least 20 yards last season, scoring four touchdowns on those receptions. He missed some practice time this week, a knee injury, but there’s been no indication that he won’t play this week.
The others ...
Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain might not play much with Sean Lee healthy this week. Given Lee’s injury history, he’ll be a welcome addition to the Cowboys depth chart. Greg Hardy’s back too, but Jerry Jones is the only one rooting for his this week after his repulsive comments.
Enemkpali, better known as the guy who broke Geno Smith’s jaw, returns but might not crack the active list this Sunday. Brandon Spikes and Victor Butler are free agents.
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