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Buffalo Bills: Walter Powell suspended first four games of the season

By Ryan Brennan

Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Walt Powell (19) catches the ball during warm ups prior to the Bills' game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Walt Powell (19) catches the ball during warm ups prior to the Bills' game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Bills announced on Thursday that wide receiver Walt Powell has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of 2017.

The Buffalo Bills got some unfortunate news from the NFL on Thursday. It was announced that wide receiver Walter Powell will be facing a four-game suspension at the beginning of the 2017 season.

Walter Powell joined the team in 2015 on the practice squad, but was quickly signed to the Raiders’ active roster. After being released by the Raiders, the Buffalo Bills re-signed him. After appearing in 9 games last season, he was placed on injury reserve late in November 2016.

Here’s a statement from an NFL Spokesperson:

"Walter Powell of the Buffalo Bills has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2017 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.Powell will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, October 2 following the team’s October 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.Powell is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games."

The Buffalo Bills saw both Zay Jones (full participant) and Sammy Watkins (limited participant) return to the practice field on Thursday, giving signs of hope for the 2017 season. At the same time, depth could become an issue this season like last year, especially after hearing of Powell’s suspension.

On a team where news like this won’t sit well with the fanbase and new coaching staff, it’s really an unfortunate event.

Walter Powell explained the suspension in a tweet:

He will still be able to practice until the season starts, and will return to the team for Week 5 action.

We can only hope that this is the only news of this type we will hear this offseason. Stay tuned for more news and statements coming from the Buffalo Bills’ organization.

Next: Injury updates on Watkins, Ragland, Jones, Glenn and Henderson

What do you think of the news surrounding Walter Powell? Leave your thoughts below!

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