The Denver Post is reporting that Broncos K Matt Prater has been notified by the NFL that he will be suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Broncos kicker Matt Prater has been notified by the NFL he will be suspended through the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
The violation was alcohol-related. Prater has been in the league’s alcohol program since soon after he was charged with driving under the influence Aug. 12, 2011.
The four-game suspension, which is expected to be announced Monday, was part of an agreement reached between Prater’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, and the league, so an appeal is not expected. The NFL had initially threatened a one-year suspension.
This is a potential big blow to the Broncos, as Prater has been one of the best kickers in the league for some time. How Denver will replace their Pro Bowl kicker remains to be seen, as Prater’s backup is unproven rookie Mitch Ewald. Most likely the team will search for a veteran on the free agency market until Prater returns in Week 6 against the Jets.