The NFL suspended New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount for the first game of the 2015 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport reports the suspension stems from Blount's arrest for possession of marijuana last season.
LeGarrette Blount suspended 1 game for substance abuse violation
The Patriots running back will miss the 2015 season opener after violating the substance abuse policy.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Blount joined the Patriots towards the end of the season after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers in November. After rushing for just 266 yards in 11 games for the Steelers, the sixth-year back was much more productive for New England, gaining 281 yards on 60 carries in the final five games of the regular season. He added 189 rushing yards and three scores for the Super Bowl champs during the postseason.
New England was already thin at running back before Blount's suspension, losing Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley during free agency this offseason. That leaves an uninspiring mix of Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden and James Develin as the primary candidates to carry the rock for the Patriots to start the season, although they are expected to add depth to their backfield in the draft.
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