TAMPA, Fla. -- Buccaneers nickelback Jude Adjei-Barimah has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, according to a league spokesperson.
"I take a lot of pride in the hard work and dedication that I put in all year in preparation for each season and that is why this situation is so difficult for me personally," Adjei-Barimah said in a statement.
"As a member of this team, it is very disappointing to have to miss the next four games and not be out there battling with my teammates as we go down the stretch. I apologize to my family, the Bucs organization, my teammates, as well as the fans for this situation. I promise to stay focused and be ready for the last two games of the regular season.
His suspension is effective immediately. He'll be eligible to return to action for the final two weeks of the season, for games against the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
Adei-Barimah has been the team's nickelback for most of the season. He's played in all 10 games this year, with 22 tackles, two sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.
The Bucs are already dealing with some injuries at cornerback. Four-time Pro Bowler Brent Grimes suffered a thigh bruise against the Chiefs after just a few snaps and did not return.
The Bucs face one of the league's stop slot receivers this week in the Seahawks' Doug Baldwin, who has 54 catches for 733 receiving yards this year, with 483 of them coming from the slot, fifth-most in the NFL. His four receiving touchdowns from the slot are tied for fourth in the league.
