Breaking News: Stedman Bailey suspended four games

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver

(12) warms up before the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Arizona won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Stedman Bailey of the St. Louis Rams has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2014 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

Bailey will be eligible to return to the Rams’ active roster on Monday, October 6 following the team’sOctober 5 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but is still eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. This is a big blow to the Rams already inexperienced and thin receiving corps. Bailey most likely would have been able to compete for a starting role on offense, but now will be missing the first four game. Most fans were expecting a lot from Bailey this upcoming season and expecting him to have a breakout year. He could still have a good year, but this will certainly set him back.

This isn’t the first time a Rams player has been suspended for abusing the league’s substance abuse policy. Last year, Jo-Lonn Dunbar was suspended, and then previously Austin Pettis has also been suspended.

The Rams can’t afford any more blows like this going into a season in which many are expecting them to get over the hump. In Bailey’s absence, guys like Tavon Austin, Pettis, Britt, and Quick will need to step up.