Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson suspended 6 games, will miss opener vs. Lions

The Detroit Lions caught a bit of a break this afternoon, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy:

The Lions are set to take on the Cardinals in the season opener in Arizona this year. The Lions got a similar break last year when the league suspended Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman for the first four games of the season. The Lions would end up defeating the Patriots 26-10 in Week 3.

Peterson has been a key piece of the Cardinals defense for several years now. The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro is still playing at a high level, earning Pro Football Focus’ fifth-highest grade among all cornerbacks last year (82.5).

This news may force the Cardinals’ second-round pick Byron Murphy into the starting lineup in Week 1 against the Lions. Detroit is already expected to face rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, meaning the Lions will likely get a full look at Arizona’s top two picks.