Redskins right tackle Jordan Black was suspended for the next four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. Black will miss the next two games as well as either two playoff games or the first two regular season games in 2013.
Black’s absence only hurts if Tyler Polumbus can’t play because of a concussion suffered in Sunday’s 38-21 win at Cleveland. Black replaced Polumbus after halftime and would have done so again Sunday at Philadelphia if Polumbus remains sidelined.
Now if Polumbus can’t play against the Eagles, the Redskins would use either second-year lineman Maurice Hurt or rookie Tom Compton. Hurt has only played guard during the regular season, but worked at tackle during training camp. Compton was recently promoted from the practice squad and spent training camp working at left tackle. However, he has spent time on both sides during regular season practices on the scout team.
Black is the sixth Redskin to be suspended in the last two seasons for drug-related offenses– three last season and three this season. Last season, corner Phillip Buchanon, tackle Trent Williams and tight end Fred Davis were suspended for four games apiece. This season, safety Tanard Jackson was suspended indefinitely before the regular season. Corner Cedric Griffin was suspended for the final four games, but can return if the Redskins make the postseason.
Teammates later took to Twitter to defend Black, saying he wasn’t a “doper” according to rookie Josh LeRibeus. Veteran Chris Chester tweeted, “Jordan Black’s suspension is a faux attempt by the nfl to appear to care about players safety(cont). He’s getting screwed over paperwork.”
