One of the NFL’s best cornerbacks has reportedly been busted for the use of performance-enhancing drugs:
Cardinals’ CB Patrick Peterson now will miss the first six games: Arizona’s regular-season opener vs. the Lions, then games at Baltimore, at home against the Panthers and Seahawks, at Cincinnati and at home against the Falcons.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 16, 2019
Patrick Peterson's suspension for violating the NFL's PED policy is going to cost him. pic.twitter.com/BapjGw4GXY
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 16, 2019
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has reportedly been suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s PED policy. Peterson is an eight-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, and undeniably the Cardinals’ best defensive player.
And in addition to the Cardinals being without their best defender, Peterson’s six-game suspension could ultimately have implications on the NFC postseason picture. Go figure.
The Cardinals’ first six opponents include the Lions, Panthers, Seahawks, and Falcons – that’s one Bears NFC North rival, one 2018 NFC playoff participant, and two NFC South teams who are just one season removed from being in the playoffs themselves. Peterson will be eligible to return on October 20 against the Giants, but the Cardinals will have played nearly 40 percent of their 2019 schedule b the time he is eligible to get back onto the playing field.
I suppose Peterson’s return will be appreciated since the Cardinals will still have five games against NFC West opponents. But by then, his absence could do more to impact other NFC contenders’ playoff odds.
Once his suspension becomes officially official and gets underway, Peterson will miss his first game since being drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has been a portrait of durability and excellence throughout the duration of his eight-year career prior to the suspension, with 23 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries in 128 games. So, yeah, Arizona is going to miss him. But I bet teams playing the Cardinals won’t one bit.