Minnesota Vikings full-back Jerome Felton has been suspended for three games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

The ban is thought to relate to Felton's arrest for drink driving in June of last year, a charge that was later reduced to reckless driving.

The 27-year-old will miss three regular season matches, against the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns respectively, but will be eligible to return for the International Series match against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Wembley.

"We respect the league's decision and Jerome understands it. Jerome is focused on returning to the playing field in Week 4 vs. Pittsburgh," said Vikings general manager Rick Spielman in a statement.

Felton, who reached the Pro Bowl last season, had already been ruled out for the rest of pre-season after undergoing an emergency appendectomy earlier this month.

Written by
Barney Corkhill