According to a report compiled by David Michael Smith of Pro Football Talk, there will be at least 30 players serving suspensions when the 2015 NFL season opens.
Currently, 34 NFL players are suspended. This number could vary slightly if New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant are successful in appealing their four-game suspensions. You would have to have been living without internet or television for the past several months not to know that Brady faces a four-game suspension for his alleged role in Deflategate. Additionally Bryant was just suspended for four games due to violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
#Steelers WR Martavis Bryant’s looming 4-game suspension is for multiple failed marijuana tests, source said. Appeal is in the latter stages
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2015
The laundry list for some of the more lengthy suspensions include both Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan and Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, who are both suspended for 16 games, and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerome Simpson, who is suspended for six games. Suspended for four games each are New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy and linebacker Rolando McClain. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell faces a two game suspension and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcel Dareus and Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount will miss one game.
There are also 10 free agents who are suspended including running back Ahmad Bradshaw.
Free agent RB Ahmad Bradshaw will be suspended one game once he signs with a team for violating NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy. #Colts #Giants
— Deb Carson (@DebCarson) June 23, 2015
It is worth noting that since Bryant most recently was added to the list that he now makes the fourth player scheduled to sit out in the NFL’s season-opening game between the Patriots and the Steelers.
Perhaps Brady should host a rager at one of his mansions and invite Blount, Bell and Bryant to watch their teams compete. Likely, the latter three all know how to get their hands on some supreme munchies.
In all seriousness, this list could easily grow in the days leading up to the September 10 season opener.