Houston Texans Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Cushing, the 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cushing tested positive for steroids.
This will obviously impact the IDP viability of Cushing as well as the HOU DEF rank for the beginning of the season. Houston begins the season with the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders. Cushing had 133 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2009.
Cushing should not be considered a top linebacker, as he was in our IDP LB Rankings. Indeed, because of roster size restrictions in most leagues, this suspension will likely keep Cushing from being drafted in many leagues. Consider him after two weeks, though, on waivers if he's available at that time.
