BALTIMORE (WMAR) — The Baltimore Ravens will be without offensive lineman James Hurst for the first four games of the 2020 regular season.
On Friday the NFL announced Hurst had been suspended without pay for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Hurst will be allowed to participate in all preseason games and practices.
The NFL didn't reveal which substance was detected on Hurst.
Anabolic and androgenic steroids, stimulants, human or animal growth hormones, masking agents, and diuretics are among those banned under league policy.
Hurst just wrapped up his sixth season in the NFL and appeared in all 16 games but only started two of them this past season.
He was signed as a rookie free agent in 2014 out of North Carolina. In 2018 he signed a four-year contract extension with the team.
In other news Friday the Ravens decided to part ways with safety Tony Jefferson, who missed last season entirely due to injury.
“This is the worst part of this business,”said Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta. “Tony is the consummate teammate and someone who is respected by everyone for his leadership, determination, humility and toughness. He’s a friend to all and a true Raven. We know he’s going to beat this injury, and we will be cheering for him all along the way. We wish the very best to Tony and his family.”
