Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson has been suspended for the next four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, a league spokesperson announced Friday.
He's eligible to return to the active roster Dec. 25, the day after the Panthers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Johnson, an 11-year vet who's played in all 11 games this season, accepted full responsibility for the suspension.
"I have been recovering from back surgery, dealing with the daily grind of football, and mistakenly thought this could help," Johnson said in a statement. "It was an error in judgment on my part. We have a special group here I wanted to be a part of and felt an obligation to do my part by getting back as soon as possible."
The 8-3 Panthers hold the fifth seed in the NFC as they enter a tough four-game stretch against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers, and the Buccaneers.
Johnson has yet to record a sack this season after posting four in 2016.
