Although it seemed unlikely, the hope when Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh filed an appeal over his two-game suspension was that Art Shell would reduce it by a game. Had that happened, Suh would have still missed Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, but he would have been able to play next week against the Minnesota Vikings.

This afternoon, the NFL announced that there will be no reduction of the suspension. Shell denied Suh's appeal and upheld the two-game suspension, meaning the next time we will see Suh on the field for a game will be on Dec. 18 when the Lions play at the Oakland Raiders.

Here's the NFL's statement on the appeal ruling (via Dave Birkett):

Art Shell has notified Ndamukong Suh, the Lions, the NFLPA, and the NFL that Suh's appeal of his two-game suspension by NFL Vice President Merton Hanks has been denied. Suh is suspended for the Lions' next two games and will be reinstated to the active roster on December 12.

Suh isn't allowed to be at the Lions' facility in Allen Park until he is reinstated, so he won't be able to be around the team until the day after the Vikings game.