The suspension of Dion Jordan should mean that Vernon will open the season as the starting right defensive end.

The suspension of Dion Jordan for the first four games of the coming season represents a hit to the Dolphins' defensive line depth behind Vernon and Cameron Wake early on, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Analysis:

Though Jordan was in line to work behind Vernon and Wake again this season, the young pass-rusher was viewed as a key cog in the team's speed package. In his absence, Derrick Shelby figures to see more action and Jared Odrick could see work at defensive end. Vernon remains locked in as the Dolphins' starting right DE, on the heels of a 2013 season in which he racked up 57 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 16 games (including 14 starts).