Lions DT Khyri Thornton suspended 6 games for violating NFL substance abuse policy

The league announced on Tuesday afternoon that Detroit Lions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton has been suspended six games for violating the NFL Policy And Program for Substances of Abuse.

Thornton was re-signed to a two-year deal back in March worth around $3.3 million total. In 2016, he played in 13 games, starting six, and notched 18 tackles and one sack.

The Lions went out and made a lot of changes to their defensive line this offseason. Just in the interior, Detroit signed Akeem Spence, Jordan Hill, Ego Ferguson, Bruce Gaston and drafted Jeremiah Ledbetter in the sixth round of the draft.

Thornton had plenty of competition to beat out to make the final roster, but Detroit’s two-year investment in him shows that he was part of the team’s plans. Now, it’s very likely that Thornton will start the 2017 season on the reserve/suspended List, where he will not count against the 53-man roster. The Lions did the same thing with Andrew Quarless last year.

For now, Thornton will be able to participate in all offseason workouts and activities, including preseason games in August.