WASHINGTON – Washington Redskins safety Tanard Jackson was suspended indefinitely without pay Friday by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, complicating the team's plans on the day players were cut to establish a 53-man roster for the start of the regular season.
Jackson's suspension began immediately. He will be able to apply for reinstatement in exactly one year.
This is Jackson's third drugs-related suspension, the previous two coming during his five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2007 fourth-round pick was banished for four games in 2009 and for 12 months starting in September 2010.
The Buccaneers terminated Jackson's contract in April after he failed a physical. He signed a one-year deal with the Redskins a few days later, reuniting him with former Tampa Bay head coach and new Washington defensive backs coach Raheem Morris.
Jackson spent the first part of training camp recovering from knee and shoulder injuries, but he started against the Indianapolis Colts in the third preseason game.
Jackson joined Brandon Meriweather and Madieu Williams as new additions at safety this year as the Redskins attempted to rebuild the position after parting ways with LaRon Landry and Oshiomogho Atogwe.
But Meriweather missed the last two preseason games after hurting his left knee against the Chicago Bears. His injury and Jackson's suspension were expected to influence the number of safeties coach Mike Shanahan planned to carry on the roster.
The Redskins had until 9 p.m. Friday to cut 22 players.
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