Oct 7, 2008 - 2:46 PM
0 shoutsCINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Darryl Blackstock received a four-game suspension Tuesday for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Blackstock, 25, will be eligible to return to team activities on November 10 - the Monday before the Bengals play the Philadelphia Eagles.
A four-year veteran, Blackstock issued a statement claiming that he was unaware he had taken banned substances.
"I've apologized to my coaches and teammates for an unfortunate mistake," Blackstock said. "I did not intentionally violate the policy, but I know it's my responsibility to use only approved nutritional supplements, and I didn't realize I was taking an over-the-counter product that included a banned substance.
"I also want to apologize to our fans, and I'll do everything I can to be ready to come back strong next month."
Blackstock has recorded five tackles in five games this season.
Cincinnati (0-5) also made a pair of roster moves Tuesday, re-signing running back Kenny Watson and signing cornerback Simeon Castille to its practice squad.
Watson, Cincinnati's leading rusher last season, was released by the Bengals this past Saturday after running for just 32 yards over the first four games this year. The seven-year veteran rushed for 763 yards last season.
