NEW YORK — Several teams will be missing key players when the NFL season kicks off this weekend.
Most notable among the 26 players suspended by the league are All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell, who will sit out Pittsburgh's first two games, and veteran tight end Antonio Gates of San Diego, out for four games.
Bell had his suspension for violating the substance abuse policy (DUI and drug possession arrest in August 2014) reduced from three games. His teammate, wide receiver Martavis Bryant, is banned for four weeks, also for substance abuse.
Gates, one of the most prolific players at his position in league history, is docked four games under the performance enhancers policy.