The Kansas City Chiefs have a more pressing issue with Dwayne Bowe than a finger that has been dislocated "about 15 times."
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via two sources informed of the imminent suspension, the veteran wide receiver will be banned from the season opener after violating the NFL policy and program on substances of abuse. The NFL and the team later announced the suspension.
The one-game suspension is in response to a November arrest for marijuana possession that was eventually bargained down to lesser charges of defective equipment and littering.
"I am extremely sorry that I can't be on the field for the first game of the 2014 season because I made an error in judgment," Bowe said Friday in a statement released by the team. "I take responsibility for my mistake, and it will not happen again. I hope that my teammates, coaches, and Chiefs fans accept my sincere apology. I will be supporting my teammates in week one, and I cannot wait to get back on the field to help us win in week two and beyond as we work towards our goal of winning the Super Bowl."
"We are disappointed in the situation and will miss him on the field, but we support the league's decision," the team said in its own statement.
Bowe was previously suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances in 2009.
The suspension presents an intriguing option for the Chiefs front office. Bowe's base salary for 2015 remains $10.75 million, but it's no longer guaranteed, per Rapoport.
There's a strong argument to be made that Bowe is currently the NFL's most overpaid wide receiver. Moving like a tight end in 2013, he didn't put Kansas City at a competitive advantage on a weekly basis. Come next offseason, the team's brain trust might decide that his salary is a competitive disadvantage.
With Bowe out of the lineup versus the Titans, in the meantime, Junior Hemingway is the top candidate to join Donnie Avery in the starting lineup.
Keep an eye on undrafted rookie Albert Wilson, a playmaker out of Georgia State who has impressed in training camp as well as the preseason opener.
Alternatively, coach Andy Reid could opt for more two-tight end sets, with breakout candidateTravis Kelce playing increased snaps.
Either way, the Chiefs will continue to lean heavily on Jamaal Charles to carry the offense.
*The latest "Around the League Podcast" broke down the biggest position battles and ranked the best backup QBs in the league. *
