The St. Louis Rams will be without Stedman Bailey until Week 14 after the wide receiver received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the team announced Monday.
Rams WR Stedman Bailey suspended 4 games for substance abuse violation
Bailey isn’t eligible to return from his suspension until Week 14.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Bailey, 24, withdrew an appeal of the punishment, meaning he'll be out beginning in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears and won't return until December. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the infraction was for marijuana. The four-game suspension is the standard punishment for a first violation, and it doesn't appear to factor in the four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs that he received in 2014 (which was eventually reduced to two games).
A third-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Bailey hasn't developed into a consistent threat for the Rams and his biggest game so far in 2015 came in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers when he recorded three receptions for 73 yards. In 38 career games, Bailey has 59 receptions for 843 yards and two touchdowns.
The Rams have the NFL's worst pass attack and average just 177 passing yards per game. Kenny Britt leads the team with 311 receiving yards on 15 receptions with a touchdown, although Tavon Austin has been a little more productive with 28 receptions for 300 yards and four touchdowns.
On Monday, the Rams reportedly worked out several receivers, including Wes Welker and Hakeem Nicks.
Bailey will be eligible to return Week 14 against the Detroit Lions.
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