In what has been a surprise season may have all gone down the drain for rookie New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden‘s reputation. Like many players in the NFL this season, Bolden has been suspended 4 games without pay by the NFL for performance-enhancement substances
Going undrafted, Bolden has proven his worth to the Patriots as he broke the rotation in the depth chart as the team has plenty running back options in Stevan Ridley, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen. In 6 games, Bolden has rushed for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns, which both are second best on the team this year behind Ridley.
He hasn’t played a game since Week 6 due to a knee injury so his productivity won’t be missed on the team. And with 3 reliable backs, the Patriots won’t likely go out and sign a free agent to replace him.
Due to suspension, Bolden will not be able to return to the team until Week 14 when the Patriots take on the top team in the AFC: the Houston Texans.
This isn’t the first time a Patriots has been out for performance substances. In 2010, linebacker Brandon Spikes was suspended 4 games for taking a medication that wasn’t cleared on the NFL’s substance list.. Bolden will join recently acquired cornerback Aqib Talib on the suspension list as he was suspended 4 weeks for use of Adderal.
The NFL has declined to reveal which drug Bolden was suspended for using.
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