Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Eric Wright will miss the next four games after being suspended by the NFL for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Head coach Greg Schiano announced Wright's ban during his weekly press conference on Monday, with the suspension effective immediately. Wright will be eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 24.
The sixth-year pro had appealed the penalty, which FoxSports.com originally reported was for use of the drug Adderall in late October, but lost his case.
One of several free agents signed by the Buccaneers during an extensive overhaul this past offseason, Wright started all 10 games he appeared in and compiled 39 tackles, seven passes defensed and an interception he returned 60 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants back in Week 2.
Wright, who signed a five-year contract with Tampa Bay in March, has been slowed by an Achilles' injury recently and did not play in the Buccaneers' 24-23 loss to NFC South leader Atlanta on Sunday.
Undrafted rookie Leonard Johnson started in Wright's place against the Falcons and will likely continue in that role through the suspension.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.