Breaking: Jeffery suspended 4 games for PEDS

As if the Chicago Bears needed more bad news following an embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they just lost one of their best players for a while. Per Ian Rapoport and others, wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. It is assumed that this ban will take effect immediately, making him eligible to return to action on December 12 after the Bears’ game with the Detroit Lions.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/798258487163781122

Jeffery will be the third Bears player suspended for PEDs under the John Fox regime, joining former teammates Ego Ferguson and Tayo Fabuluje. At this point, given the Bears’ contractual issues with Jeffery—he is currently playing under a $14-million franchise tag after failing to come to long-term agreement with the team—it’s difficult to see the talented receiver back with the Bears next season. Despite the fact that he probably cost himself a few million dollars on his next deal, he has expressed frustration throughout this season with the Bears’ offensive production, having only scored one touchdown of his own this season. It’s hard to think that he won’t seek greener pastures with someone else, and there will no doubt be several bids for his services. But all that will have to wait until next year. For now, Jeffery’s suspended, and his time with the Bears looks to be over.