National Football League

Jaguars WR Sanders returns after leave of absence

Published Aug. 24, 2014 11:07 a.m. ET

foxsports

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Ace Sanders has returned after a monthlong leave of absence.

Sanders was at practice Sunday for the first time since organized team activities ended in June. Sanders announced July 22 that he was taking a leave of absence, seeking counseling and facing a four-game suspension.

The NFL suspended Sanders the next day without pay for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Sanders told reporters that ''personal issues'' caused his misstep. He said he has ''been dealing with a lot of stuff, just with life and family and a lot of issues going on.''

Coach Gus Bradley says Sanders could play in the team's preseason finale Thursday night against Atlanta. Sanders is eligible to return to the team's active roster Sept. 29.