Buffalo Bills tight end Shawn Nelson has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
The league announced Friday that Nelson will be suspended without pay for the Bills' regular-season games against the Dolphins, Packers, Patriots and Jets. He can return to the active roster Oct. 4 and play the following weekend against the Jaguars.
Nelson had 17 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown in 12 games as a rookie out of Southern Mississippi last season.
The Bills were already short-handed at tight end after Derek Schouman hurt his knee in Thursday's 34-21 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Nelson is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.
Nelson's agent, Joel Segal, declined comment.
