Indianapolis Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drug use, the league announced on Tuesday.
Jackson, who has not missed a game since he was with the Cleveland Browns in 2009, is arguably the most important player on the Colts’ defense. He has recorded 78 total tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries on the season.
The Colts are coming off a dominant defensive performance against the New York Jets Monday night, so the timing couldn’t be worse. The suspension will keep Jackson out for the remainder of the regular season. Indianapolis has won three of its last four games and is tied for the lead in the AFC South with a record of 6-6.
Jackson will be eligible to return after the final game of the regular season, so the Colts will have him for the playoffs if they make it that far. However, an already-suspect defense will now be even more tested over the next month.
