Panthers defensive tackle suspended for violating PED policy

The Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Frank Herron has been suspended two games for violating the league’s PED policy, per NFL reporter Tom Plissero. He will next be available to return Nov. 14 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Herron has been a member of the practice squad all season long. The former LSU Tiger went undrafted in 2018 but quickly signed with the New England Patriots. He has had briefs stints on seven different teams over the past four seasons.

It’s more bad news for a Panthers team that is already dealing with other key players out. Star running back Christian McCaffrey has not played since Week 3, and Carolina has yet to win a game without him. After beginning the year 3-0, they have dropped four straight.

The Atlanta Falcons await them this week in a big matchup for the NFC South. The Buccaneers have a strong hold on the top spot, but a victory would help the Panthers move into third place.

Carolina has been in the news this week for its purported interest in Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Panthers benched starter Sam Darnold toward the end of a Week 7 loss to the New York Giants. He finished a mere 16-of-25 for 112 yards and an interception in that game.

What looked like one of the league’s most promising offenses early on has certainly taken a nosedive over the past few weeks. McCaffrey will also be eligible to return from his hamstring injury against the Cardinals. He was place on the injured reserve list on Oct. 16 and per league rules must miss at least three games from that point.

Could his return be the spark Carolina needs? If the Panthers do make a deal for Watson before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, the duo would certainly garner a lot of buzz.

Either way, it’s clear the Panthers have much more pertinent issues to worry about than a practice squad defensive tackle being suspended.