Marcel Reece has been one of many bright spots for the Oakland Raiders offense this season. The former undrafted free agent out of Washington has appeared in all 15 of the team's games, collecting 10 carries for 36 yards, 30 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns, and most importantly clearing the way for young Raiders, running back Latavius Murray and quarterback Derek Carr, to put together career years. Reece's efforts culminated in a Pro Bowl bid this season, but unfortunately, Reece isn't going to be able to make the trip to Honolulu, as the Raiders announced late Monday afternoon that Reece has been suspended for the four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs.
"Marcel Reece of the Oakland Raiders has been suspended without pay for the team's next four regular-season games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. He is no longer eligible to participate in the 2016 Pro Bowl," the NFL said, per a statement on the Raiders website.
"Reece's suspension begins immediately. He can participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.
"Reece is eligible to return to the active roster after the third game of the 2016 regular season."
The Raiders have only a meaningless game against the potentially playoff-bound Kansas City Chiefs left on their 2015 slate, and they already have Jamize Olawale on the roster.
Olawale will likely fill in for this coming weekend, but it remains to be seen what comes of the position next year. Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio is likely none-too-pleased that his Pro Bowl fullback will be on the shelf for the first three games of the 2016 NFL season as his ascending team looks to build on what became an extremely promising 2015.
