The Denver Broncos will be without one of their major contributors along the defensive line for the first four games of the season. Derek Wolfe has been suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.
An NFL spokesperson released a statement just before noon Friday in regards to the defensive tackle.
“Derek Wolfe of the Denver Broncos has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.
“Wolfe will be eligible to return to the Broncos’ active roster on Monday, October 5 following the team’s October 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
“Wolfe is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.”
In the same press release by the Broncos Wolfe issued the following statement.
“Please allow me to offer my most sincere apology to everyone in the Broncos organization, and especially to my teammates and our fans.
“During the offseason I took medication which is on the banned substance list. The medication is not a substance which would enhance my on field performance in any way and I genuinely was unaware that it was prohibited, but players are responsible for what is in their bodies. I will certainly exercise far greater caution in the future and will seek advice relating to the permissibility of any and all medications.
“I am very disappointed that I can’t help my team for the first four weeks of the season, but I look forward to a great season with the Broncos and can’t wait to get back on the field in week five.”
Wolfe was slated to play a vital role as a defensive tackle in Wade Phillips’s 3-4 defensive scheme. He is coming off of a season in which he played in every game and compiled 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one pass defended. He is entering his fourth year in the NFL after being drafted by the Broncos 36th overall in the 2012 draft.
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