blacksaint

By MICHAEL C. WRIGHT, The Times-Union


The Jaguars expect to receive notification from the NFL soon that defensive tackle Marcus Stroud will be suspended four games for violating the NFL's steroids and related substances policy, sources told the Times-Union.

The sources requested anonymity because of the hefty fines the league could impose for divulging information relating to its drug policy.

Stroud's positive test came from "taking some supplements," according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. Stroud's "A" sample came back positive last week. Per the drug policy, on Monday, Stroud exercised the right to have his "B" sample tested.

The Jaguars expect to receive results from the "B" sample by Friday or early next week. If they receive a positive result on Stroud's sample in the next few days, his suspension could begin as early as Sunday, when the team travels to New Orleans to play the Saints. Until the Jaguars receive official notification from the NFL, Stroud is eligible to play.

"No comment," Stroud said Wednesday. "I have nothing to say."

According to a league source, Stroud isn't likely to appeal a suspension. An appeal could allow Stroud to play in the Jaguars' next few games. But if Stroud were to lose the appeal, he could be out of action for several key late-season games. The Jaguars are 5-2 and tied for second in the AFC South.

Citing the league's confidentiality rules regarding the drug policy, team officials declined to comment. The policy states that "any interested party who violates the confidentiality provisions of this intervention program may be fined a minimum of $10,000 up to a maximum of $500,000."

"There's really nothing I can do to address the swirling rumors and stories and all that," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "I think there will be an appropriate time for that."

In anticipation of Stroud's absence, the Jaguars on Tuesday signed free-agent defensive tackle Grady Jackson, who was released by the Atlanta Falcons last week. Jackson signed a one-year deal and is expected to play Sunday against the Saints.

To create a roster space for Jackson, the Jaguars on Wednesday placed second-year defensive tackle Tony McDaniel on injured reserve, ending his season. McDaniel suffered a broken wrist in the team's Oct. 22 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

In addition to signing Jackson, the Jaguars will lean on Rob Meier and rookie Derek Landri to help anchor a defense that ranks 15th in the NFL in yardage allowed (327.6 yards per game).

Stroud underwent microfracture surgery during the offseason to repair a hole in the cartilage in his right ankle and missed most of the Jaguars' offseason conditioning. He has started all seven games this season, posting 26 tackles and 21/2 sacks.

"He spent the offseason dedicating himself to coming back and being strong," Del Rio said. "So he's battled. You can see the guy has done all he can to be there for his teammates. There aren't many guys that are 310 pounds that can run the way he can run, [and] make plays sideline to sideline."

Stroud, a seven-year veteran and first-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2001, started in three consecutive Pro Bowls (2003-2005) and played 68 consecutive games before missing five games last season because of ankle and groin injuries.

Ultimate Jaguars Newsroom: NFL could bench Jaguars' Stroud

saint4life
(504)