Updated

New England Patriots defensive end Jermaine Cunningham has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

His suspension begins immediately and he will be eligible to return to the active roster on Dec. 24.

Cunningham is the second Patriots player this month to be disciplined in such a manner. Running back Brandon Bolden received a 4-game suspension on Nov. 9 for testing positive for a banned substance.

A third-year player out of Florida, Cunningham has appeared in all 11 games this season, starting three, and recorded 23 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks.