Patriots practice linebacker suspended six games by NFL

New England Patriots practice linebacker Michael Pinckney was suspended by the NFL on Friday, according to the league’s transaction thread.

Pinckney’s suspension is a six-game ban, a source told Doug Kyed of NESN.com. The 22-year-old tested positive for a banned supplement, according to the source.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the length of Pinckney’s suspension.

I’m told that Patriots rookie practice linebacker Michael Pinckney has been suspended six games for taking a banned supplement. He did it without knowing it during an off-season surgical rehabilitation.

– Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) November 27, 2020

Pinckney, an undrafted rookie who has yet to make his NFL debut, joined the New England practice squad in early October. He had been a starter for four years in Miami, totaling 64 tackles and 12 1/2 tackles for a loss as a senior in 2019. He underwent hip surgery in March.

The Patriots are scheduled to host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in Week 12 of the NFL season.

Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports Images