NFL suspends Saints safety Vaccaro 4 games under PED policy

Published Dec. 14, 2016 8:33 a.m. ET

foxsports

METAIRIE, La. (AP) -- The NFL says New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro will serve a four-game suspension, starting this Sunday at Tampa Bay, because he violated league rules pertaining to performance enhancing drug use.

The league did not specify which banned substance was found in Vaccaro's system. The league not only bans steroids, but also diuretics that have been known to mask steroid use.

The Saints have four regular season games left, meaning Vaccaro's won't play again this season unless New Orleans (5-7) rallies to make the playoffs. The Saints trail NFC South Division leaders Tampa Bay and Atlanta by two games.

Vaccaro was in on 67 solo or assisted tackles this season. He had one sack, five tackles for losses, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and eight quarterback hits.