CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander has been suspended for one year for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
It is the third suspension for Alexander, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
Alexander was suspended the first four games last season and then 10 more for a second offense. Carolina's 2012 fourth-round pick admitted earlier this year that the issue last season was marijuana.
Alexander was set to become a restricted free agent in March.
Alexander is the third Carolina player to be suspended by the league in two days.