Report: Patriots LB Suspended for Using Banned Substance

The New England Patriots may see some changes in their performance on the field. Linebacker Michael Pinckney was hit with a six-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. The Patriots signed the talented LB to the practice unit last month, and now he is suspended.

Mike Reiss was among the first to report on the suspension. He reported that the franchise had safety JT Hassell and G Ross Reynolds in for a visit, adding that practice squad LB will be out for the season.

Doug Kyed from NESN reported that Pinckney took a supplement while treating his injury. Well, according to this report, the linebacker “unknowingly” took his supplement.

The Patriots had safety JT Hassel and G Ross Reynolds in for a visit. They will also be without practice-squad LB Michael Pinckney, who is facing a six-game NFL suspension for undisclosed reasons.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 27, 2020

Patriots LB to be released after being suspended

We don’t really know what happened with Pinckney. He is the only one to tell the truth and everyone has picked a side in the situation. Pinckney says it was a big mistake. But, this suspension will definitely affect his future in the league. He will see a lot of problems in the future.

I'm told Patriots rookie practice squad linebacker Michael Pinckney was suspended six games for taking a banned supplement. He did so unknowingly while rehabbing an offseason surgery.

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) November 27, 2020

Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Bezan provided details on Pinckney’s suspension and its impact on the team’s books.

My new Patriots salary cap space number after practice squad player Michael Pickney's six week suspension is $21,390,072 – a $50,400 increase from my last update.

— Cap Space = $21,390,072 (@patscap) November 27, 2020

“My new Patriots salary cap space number after practice squad player Michael Pickney’s six week suspension is $21,390,072 – a $50,400 increase from my last update.”

New England may release the linebacker. The Patriots have brought in two talented players for a tryout. If one or both of them sign with the team, the Patriots may change their practice unit and even the active roster.

Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn won’t suit up for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals due to a calf injury. He didn’t practice this week and maybe the team will place him on injured recerve. If the Patriota activate veteran wideout Julian Edelman for the game, he will soon get his place on the roster.

There will be some other changes in the next period. Pinckney’s suspension will have a big role in the process. The linebacker will have to impress his coaches in order to stay in New England.