NEW YORK: Detroit Lions defensive tackle Khyri Thornton was suspended Tuesday by the NFL for the first six games of the 2017 season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
Thornton's return would come during a bye week for the Lions, meaning his first possible game for Detroit would be on October 29 against Pittsburgh.
The 27-year-old defender made 18 tackles with one quarterback sack over 13 games for the Lions last season, six as a starter.
Thornton signed a two-year deal worth $3.3 million with the Lions following the campaign with a $325,000 signing bonus.
Under the terms of the NFL's anti-drug policy with the players union, Thornton is able to take part in training camp practices and pre-season games.
Thornton was taken in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers before injury wiped out his rookie year.