Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong has been suspended for one game for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and after losing his appeal. The suspension was first reported by Ian Rapaport.
#Texan WR Jaelen Strong is suspended for the first game of 2017 for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2017
The suspension comes more than a year after Strong was arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona on a marijuana possession charge. The NFL released a statement on the decision, stating in part that the third-year wide receiver would still be eligible to participate in remaining preseason games and practice with the Texans. He would miss the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Strong has appeared in 18 career games with the Texas (including three starts), recording 28 receptions for 292 yards and three touchdowns. Per Patrick Starr, the team had known about the suspension prior to the news breaking on Thursday afternoon. The Texans now have to worry even more about receiver depth as Will Fuller, Braxton Miller, and DeAndre Hopkins have all dealt with injuries during training camp.
Following the league’s announcement, Strong put out his own statement on Twitter saying in part he was “disappointed” by the league’s decision.
https://twitter.com/JaelenStrong/status/900819835122331648
Strong will be eligible to return for the Week 2 Thursday night matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
