Texans' Cushing suspended 10 games for violating PED policy

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing has been suspended 10 games for a violation of the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances, the team announced.

Cushing was previously suspended for four games in 2010 after testing positive for substances banned by the NFL.

If Cushing were to be suspended for a third time, he would be sanctioned for at least two years.

The NFL released the following statement:

Brian Cushing of the Houston Texans has been suspended without pay for the team’s next 10 games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

Cushing's suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Texans’ active roster on Tuesday, November 28 following the team’s November 27 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Cushing's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, released a statement on behalf of his client via ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Brian Cushing regretfully announces he has been suspended for 10 games commencing on September 13., 2017. In so doing, he is aware of the negative impact he has had on his team and most important his fans. It is with the deepest remorse that he humbly apologizes to his fans, teammates and coaches. After consulting with his attorney and agent, he felt that rather than dragging the appellate process out, this would be the best way to proceed.

Cushing recorded three tackles during the Texans' 29-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The linebacker suffered a concussion during the game and was ruled out by the Texans for Thursday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The 30-year-old earned Pro Bowl and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2009, while being named a second-team All-Pro in 2011.

Dylan Cole, Brian Peters, and Zach Cunningham will likely all vie for increased snaps in Cushing's absence.