Burfict's 4-game suspension for PEDs upheld

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will sit out the first four contests of the 2018 season after the NFL upheld his suspension for violating its policy on performance-enhancing drugs, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Burfict unsuccessfully appealed the suspension on the grounds that he was prescribed medication to help deal with a concussion and a shoulder injury.

The 27-year-old started 10 games last year, recording 69 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Burfict was suspended for the first three games of the 2017 season for violating player safety rules.