Green Bay Packers cornerback Demetri Goodson has been suspended by the NFL without pay for violating the league policy on performance enhancing substances.
The NFL made the announcement on Friday.
Goodson becomes the second Packers player to be suspended this off-season to be suspended four games. Defensive lineman Mike Pennel was suspended four games back in February for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Goodson played in 14 games last season, getting time on defense but even more so on special teams. He finished fourth on the team in special teams tackles with nine.
Palmer released
The Packers also announced they have released inside linebacker Nate Palmer. He played in all 16 games and started ten of them.
Palmer was a sixth-round pick of the Packers in 2013 and replaced Sam Barrington after the veteran injured his ankle in the season opener. Palmer struggled in pass coverage and was eventually replaced in the starting lineup for the final seven games by rookie linebacker Jake Ryan.
Palmer finished with 80 tackles and a sack.
It leaves the Packers thin at inside linebacker with Clay Matthews expected to move back to the outside. Ryan, Barrington, Joe Thomas and Carol Bradford remain at the position and Barrington isn’t expected to be ready until training camp.
The Packers are expected to address the position in the upcoming NFL Draft.