On Tuesday afternoon, the Colts announced Grover Stewart had been suspended, without pay, by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
A first infraction involving a “anabolic agent” carries a 6-game penalty, according to the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Stewart is greatly missed.
He is the main reason why the Colts run defense has been a formidable team for the last several years. With his 318-pound frame, Stewart has shown to be much more than just a space eater, providing exceptional motor and uncommon playmaking.
Replacing a player such as Stewart with depth is a difficult task because the nose tackle position has different duties than that of defensive tackles like DeForest Buckner and other “lighter” players on the team.
The team’s run defense is a reliable strength, and losing Stewart will undoubtedly hurt it. It may also limit players like Buckner in the future.
It’s now clear that Stewart and Buckner are the opponents’ choice for a double team. This revelation not only costs you a terrific player in Stewart, but it also has the potential to lessen Buckner’s impact due to the attention it is receiving.
Stewart, 29, is currently under contract.
One of his NFL career’s more notable traits has been his durability. Over his career, he has missed just two games, and in the last five seasons, none at all.
Browns, Saints, at Panthers, Patriots (in Germany), Bucs, at Titans are the six games that Stewart will miss.
Stewart will lose almost $3 million of his salary—roughly $9 million for this season—due to his unpaid suspension.
He is eligible to play in the season’s final five games against the Bengals, Steelers, Falcons, Raiders, and Texans.
For the first half of his ban, Stewart is not allowed to use the team facilities or participate in team activities.