New York, NY – Minnesota Vikings All-Pro fullback Jerome Felton has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Felton is eligible to participate in the final week of the preseason, with his suspension commencing on Aug. 31, but will not be allowed to return to Minnesota's active roster until Sept. 23 following the Vikings' Week 3 contest against the Cleveland Browns.
"We respect the league's decision and Jerome understands it," Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. "Jerome is focused on returning to the playing field in week four vs. Pittsburgh."
Felton earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first season with the Vikings last year, paving the way for Adrian Peterson to take home NFL MVP honors after rushing for 2,097 yards, which is the second most in NFL history.
Over six seasons with Detroit, Carolina, Indianapolis and Minnesota, the 27- year-old Felton has carried the ball 42 times for 136 yards while adding 37 catches for 315 yards in 72 career games, including 26 starts.
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