The Carolina Panthers announced that reserve defensive tackle Andre Nebletthas been suspended four games for violating the league's policy against performance-enchancing substances.
Signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Temple in 2010, Neblett started one game and appeared in seven as a rookie before taking advantages to injuries to Ron Edwards, Sione Fua and Terrell McClain start four of 12 games in 2011. Neblett played in more than 36 percent of the Panthers' defensive snaps last season and posted 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
With the expected returns to health of Edwards and 2011 third-round draft picks Fua and McClain, Neblett was expected to compete with Frank Kearse for a backup/rotational tackle role this summer. Neblett will be able to partiicpate in training camp and the preseason games before serving his suspension, which might prolong his time in Charlotte.
The Panthers could place him on the suspended list and make an ultimate determination on where or if Neblett fits in when he's eliigble to return on October 1.
Due $540,000 in base salary, the four-game suspension will cost Neblett $127,059 in base salary.
