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Texans starting inside linebacker Brian Cushing has been suspended for another violation of the league’s performance enhancing drug policy, per Ian Rapoport.
#Texans LB Brian Cushing is suspended for the next 10 games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2017
In '10, #Texans LB Brian Cushing was suspended 4 gms for PEDs. The 10-game hit is for his 2nd. A 3rd suspension would be for at least 2 yrs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2017
Cushing’s suspension leaves an opening for rookie second round pick Zach Cunningham to assert himself as the future of the Texans’ defense alongside Benardrick McKinney. Cunningham, like McKinney and Cushing, excels at shutting down the run between the tackles; unlike his teammates, Cunningham has excellent fluidity and short area quickness in coverage. It is possible that despite losing one of the leaders of this team, Houston’s defense might actually be upgraded because of Cushing’s suspension.
Silver linings, I guess...
UPDATE: Here are the statements from the NFL and Cushing’s camp in response to the suspension:
The NFL has released the following statement on @HoustonTexans ILB Brian Cushing: pic.twitter.com/2MV61Oqp7I
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) September 13, 2017
Full statement from Harvey Steinberg on behalf of Brian Cushing
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 13, 2017
Read: https://t.co/6Ed9p0MyBH
UPDATE II: The practical financial implications of Cushing’s suspension:
Re: Brian Cushing
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) September 13, 2017
10 weeks salary = $3,235,290
10 weeks RB = $781,250
Total $4,016,540
The $3,235,290 will be credited towards the 2017 salary cap.
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) September 13, 2017
The $781,250 will be credited in 2018 during the annual adjustment.