The Detroit Lions will be without the services of Ndamukong Suh for Sunday’s wild-card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys.
According to NFL.com, the defensive tackle will be suspended one game for stomping on Aaron Rodgers’ injured leg during the Lions’ loss at Green Bay. Suh, whose reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the NFL precedes him, was seen stepping on Rodgers’ left calf not once, but twice while he was backpedaling.
“You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground,” NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks said in a letter to Suh, per NFL.com. “This illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided.
“You unnecessarily stepped on your opponent’s unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself.”
The incident occurred after Rodgers returned to the field in the third quarter after being carted off with a calf injury in the second.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, citing a league source, Suh will appeal his suspension. If Suh’s appeal is denied, the Lions will be without their top two defensive tackles against the Cowboys, as Nick Fairley has been sidelined with a knee injury since Week 8.
It also could mark the end of Suh’s tenure in Detroit. The 27-year-old will become a free agent after the season.
Thumbnail photo via Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports Images
