May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams tight end Brody Eldridge (81) catches a ball during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

So much for making a good impression with your new team. Rams tight end Brody Eldridge, who was claimed off waivers a few weeks ago from the Indianapolis Colts, has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

There haven’t been many specifics released yet, and it’s unclear at this point whether the Colts knew about the positive test before placing Eldridge on waivers. The good news is that the Rams have plenty of depth at the position, so losing Eldridge for four games certainly won’t be debilitating. On the flip side of that coin, the suspension certainly won’t help Eldridge secure a roster spot and considering that there should be a pretty intense competition at tight end, that could be a problem.

I like Eldridge, and I think he can be a nice fit on this roster. I don’t know if I like him enough to deal with a substance abuse violation, but I’ll be fine with whatever the Rams decide. If they knew about the suspension before claiming him, then it shouldn’t have much of an impact on his roster status. If not, then he might be in trouble.

November 27, 2011; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Nick Miller (17) returns a 88 yard punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

This is a bit of a minor note, but Rams WR Nick Miller has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Miller played the final six games for the Rams last season and his only real impact was a long punt return against the Cardinals in his first game.

I don’t want to say Miller had no chance of making the team next season, but I’d say it’s a virtual certainty that he won’t be with the team now. I have nothing against Miller, and in fact I liked him as a returner. I think there’s a place for him in the NFL as a special teamer, but unfortunately this suspension will probably hurt his chances of catching on with another team. I have no idea what he tested positive for, but I don’t think it really matters at this point. Good luck in your future endeavors, Mr. Miller.