Detroit Lions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton has been suspended six games by the NFL for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.
Thornton, who signed a two-year deal with the Lions in March, will be eligible to return on Oct. 16, after the team's game against New Orleans. He will be able to participate in the team's preseason games and practices.
A message left with Thornton's agent seeking comment on the suspension was not immediately returned.
The 27-year-old is in a competition for a depth role at defensive tackle with Akeem Spence, Ego Ferguson, Bruce Gaston, Jordan Hill and sixth-round pick Jeremiah Ledbetter as backups to Haloti Ngata and A'Shawn Robinson.