Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Datone Jones has been suspended by the NFL for the first game of the 2015 season, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network. Jones' suspension comes after a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, though there aren't any details on the substance in question.
Packers DL Datone Jones suspended 1 game for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy
Datone Jones will miss Week 1 in 2015, due to a one-game suspension for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jones was a first-round pick by the Packers in 2013, but he hasn’t done much to live up to his draft status. He has at least been playing, though, appearing in all 16 games as a rookie and 13 games in 2014. He’s compiled 32 tackles, five sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery in two seasons.
The Packers will play a divisional matchup on the road against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, with Jones eligible to return for one of Green Bay's toughest games of the season against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Jones is not yet a full-time starter despite his status as a first-round pick, and this suspension will certainly hurt his chances of establishing himself in training camp.
Jones is eligible to participate in all offseason activities including training camp, and he’ll be able to play in the preseason. It’s only a one-game suspension, so there is still room for him to make waves, but the Packers will have to plan for at least the one game without him.
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