Carolina Panthers’ Frank Alexander suspended for four games

The Carolina Panthers lost several key pieces to both their offense and defense and couldn’t afford to lose anybody else.

Now they didn’t necessarily lose this guy, but they will be without him for the first four games of the 2014 regular season. Defensive end Frank Alexander, 24, was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy according to ESPN.com.

There’s no official word on what drug he was using as the team refused to comment on the suspension at this time. It’s definitely a huge blow to Carolina’s defensive line. Alexander was a man who spent a lot of time at left defensive end while Charles Johnson was playing inside.

Last season Alexander finished with 15 combined tackles, one fumble recover and one sack. His career high came during the 2012 season as he recorded 18 combined tackles, two fumble recoveries and 2.5 sacks.

This will surely give former Chicago Bears defensive end Mario Addison a chance to pick up more playing time with the Panthers now that Alexander will be sitting out during the first four weeks of the season. Addison was brought in the same year that Frank Alexander was drafted.