Broncos Defensive End Derek Wolfe Suspended For 4 Games By NFL
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4/AP)- Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe has been suspended for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances.
The NFL released this statement on Friday morning: "Derek Wolfe of the Denver Broncos has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Wolfe will be eligible to return to the Broncos' active roster on Monday, October 5 following the team's October 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings. Wolfe is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games."
Wolfe released this statement regarding his suspension: "Please allow me to offer my most sincere apology to everyone in the Broncos organization, and especially to my teammates and our fans. During the off-season I took a medication which is on the banned substance list. The medication is not a substance which would enhance my on field performance in any way and I genuinely was unaware that it was prohibited, but players are responsible for what is in their bodies. I will certainly exercise far greater caution in the future and will seek advice relating to the permissibility of any and all medications. I'm very disappointed that I can't help my team for the first four weeks of the season, but I look forward to a great season with the Broncos and can't wait to get back on the field in week five."
During Wolfe's absence, the Broncos will rely more heavily upon veterans Malik Jackson and newcomer Vance Walker, who played for the Chiefs last season. Wolfe's suspension also could benefit second-year pro Kenny Anunike.
Wolfe can practice during training camp and play in the preseason before his Sept. 5-Oct. 5 banishment. He'll miss games against some elite running backs, including Baltimore's Justin Forsett, Kansas City's Jamaal Charles and Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. That puts added pressure on safety T.J. Ward and outside linebackers Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and first-round pick Shane Ray to stop the run.
Wolfe played in every game last year, contributing to a Denver defensive line that allowed 79.8 rushing yards per game, the lowest single-season figure in team history.
He said this spring, however, that he was just a shell of himself in 2014 after missing a good chunk of the previous season, which was marked by a seizure on the team bus. Doctors believe that was related to a bruised spinal cord he suffered that preseason.
Wolfe hasn't played a true 3-4 — with three down linemen and four linebackers — since his days at the University of Cincinnati. He said this offseason he was actually surprised the Broncos drafted him in 2012. After all, the old coaching staff preferred playing four down linemen and three linebackers most of the time.
Wolfe said the 3-4 suits him because "I'm not really a speed rusher, I'm not really a big 330-pound defensive tackle, either. I'm kind of a 'tweener and that's really what you need at the 3-4."
Wolfe is back up to 285 pounds after regaining all of the 30 pounds he lost in 2013.
With contributions by Arnie Stapleton, AP Sports Writer
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