About a month ago, CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora reported that Bengals linebacker Dontay Moch would be suspended four games for using a banned substance.

On Wednesday, the NFL confirmed the suspension, announcing that Moch will miss the first four games of this season and will be available to begin practicing Monday, Oct. 1.

Moch also will be eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games.

Moch, a third-round draft pick in 2011, didn’t play last year because of a foot injury.

Earlier this month, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer didn’t mince words when talking about him.

“He needs to get better at linebacker,” Zimmer said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He does show some pass rush ability.

“It’s frustrating ... He’s been here for a year, and he’s making mistakes that he shouldn’t be making. He’s sat in the meetings and heard stuff, but that’s not the best way for him to learn. He has to get out there and do it. He’s behind schedule that way.”

Missing the first four weeks of the season probably won’t help Moch in that regard -- and it probably won’t improve Zimmer’s mood either.

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