Vikings’ Edwards suspended 4 games for alleged steroid use

 

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on steroid use.
Edwards has been a starter for most of the season, but was replaced by Erasmus James for last Sunday’s game against Detroit. Coach Brad Childress said that decision had nothing to do with Edwards’ violation.
Childress said he was disappointed in Edwards and could not comment further because of the confidentiality surrounding the policy.
The Vikings will turn to James, rookie Brian Robison and Jayme Mitchell to fill in during Edwards’ absence. The Vikings next game is at San Francisco.
Edwards is in his second year out of Purdue. The fourth-round draft pick has been one of the Vikings’ most consistent performers at defensive end. He is eligible to return to the team after the Dec. 30 season finale against Denver and could play if the Vikings (6-6) make the playoffs.