Good thing the Detroit Lions loaded up on rotational defensive tackles this off-season.
The NFL announced Monday that Lions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton has been suspended for the first six games of the 2017 season for violating the league's policy on substances of abuse.
Thornton played in 13 games and had one sack as a backup for the Lions last year, and was scheduled to compete for a roster spot this fall with sixth-round pick Jeremiah Ledbetter and a handful of low-priced free agents.
Thornton still is eligible to take part in training camp and preseason games, but his suspension will run through the Lions' Oct.