NFL Suspensions: 5 players who will be missed the most

3. Daryl Washington – Arizona Cardinals

In a blow to what was one of the best defenses in the league last season, the NFL has suspended linebacker Daryl Washington for a full NFL season. The suspension is for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy, the same reason Washington was suspended last year, and unrelated to Washington’s recent plea bargain for an assault charge. The suspension begins immediately. “It’s completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position,” Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said. “As it pertains to our team, our approach is the same as it’s always been: next man up. One player’s absence is another’s opportunity. That approach has served us well in the past and we will rely on it now.”

Washington missed the first four games of the 2013 season also after violating the substance abuse policy. He returned to help anchor what became the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL, and the top rushing defense. In 12 games in 2013, Washington had 81 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. In a statement released by his agent, Washington acknowledged the violation was related to marijuana use. The current ban means Washington cannot come to the team complex or be involved with the team at all save for a treatment session with “the Treating Clinician.” During last year’s four-game suspension, the policy did allow Washington to take part in meetings and be around the team.

With his absence, the Cardinals are now without the two inside linebackers who played the vast majority of the time in 2013. Karlos Dansby signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent back in March. The Cardinals all along planned to have second-year man Kevin Minster replace Dansby. Veteran Larry Foote figures to step into Washington’s role, although the Cardinals also like former undrafted rookie Kenny Demens and have shifted Lorenzo Alexander inside. Coach Bruce Arians said he was hoping the Cardinals would be able to add a veteran inside linebacker at some point. Washington’s absence would seemingly now make that a priority. As the Cardinals look to rebuild, Washington’s future with the team beyond the suspension remains up in the air.