Packers DE Mike Neal suspended four games for performance-enhancers

Packers defensive end Mike Neal's been suspended by the NFL four games for a violation of the league's performance-enhancing substance policy.

By Will Brinson

Mar 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm ET • 1 min read

Neal (96) was suspended by the NFL for a performance-enhancing violation.(Getty Images)

Packers defensive end Mike Neal was suspended four games by the NFL on Tuesday for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced.

Neal, a second-round pick in 2010, has dealt with injuries throughout his career, playing in just nine games in two seasons. Howard Balzer of the Sports Xchange first reported the news.

"Mike Neal of the Green Bay Packers has been suspended without pay for the team’s first four games of the 2012 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances," a league spokesman said in a statement. "Neal will be eligible to return to the Packers’ active roster on the day after the team’s fourth regular-season game of the 2012 season. Neal is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games."

Neal played in just seven games in 2011 after dealing with a knee injury, and didn't record a sack. He played in just two games as a rookie. And he won't play in more than 12 in 2012: his suspension ensures that he'll max out at eight games played in 2012.