Baltimore Ravens reserve tight end Darren Waller was suspended four games Friday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Waller, a 2015 sixth-round pick who switched from wide receiver to tight end this offseason, will be eligible to return to the Ravens' active roster on Oct. 3. He can participate in all preseason practices and games.
Waller is the second Ravens tight end to get disciplined by the league this year. Nick Boyle was suspended for 10 games in February for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
It was going to be difficult for Waller to make the Ravens' season-opening 53-man roster. He is behind Benjamin Watson, Dennis Pitta, Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams on the depth chart.
Waller played six games as a rookie last season and made two catches for 18 yards. He is considered an up-and-coming special-teams player.
While this is the first time Waller has been disciplined in the NFL, he was suspended twice at Georgia Tech for violating team rules. He missed a total of three games in 2013 and 2014.