Jashon Cornell lost his entire rookie season to a torn Achilles tendon. Now, the Detroit Lions‘ second-year defensive lineman will miss the start of his second season for a different reason.
Cornell was suspended the first three games of the 2021 season on Thursday for violating the NFL’s policy on substances of abuse.
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“I was informed today by the NFL that I would have to miss the first 3 games of the season,” Cornell tweeted. “Last year after losing a dear friend of mine I made a mistake that was out of my character. I have owned it and worked on learning from it.
“Since then I have grown as a person and now a better man. With that being said I apologize to the Lions organization and the fans. I have learned from my mishap.”
A seventh-round pick out of Ohio State in 2020, Cornell injured his left leg early in training camp last season. He was expected to compete for a backup spot on the defensive line this fall and spent Thursday’s Organized Team Activities practice working with the second-team defense at tackle.
Cornell is eligible to return to the Lions’ active roster on Monday, Sept. 27, following the team’s Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
He is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions DL Jashon Cornell suspended first 3 games of 2021
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