/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55718793/usa_today_9627306.0.jpg)
Per a statement from the team, Los Angeles Rams WR Mike Thomas has been suspended for the first four games of the season for performance enhancing substances:
"Mike Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2017 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.
Thomas will be eligible to return to the Rams’ active roster on Monday, October 2 following the team’s October 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Thomas is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games."
A sixth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Thomas was expected to compete for a bigger role in the offense this year. With training camp opening in just two weeks, the WR position battle will be one of the fiercest if not the most competitive one of all.
Thomas' suspension won't prevent him from practicing or playing in the preseason, but it may invite new Head Coach Sean McVay to lessen his work to find the right group to open the 2017 season.