McClain Reportedly Suspended 10 Games

Dallas Cowboys inside linebacker Rolando McClain is expected to miss the first 10 games of the 2016 regular season to serve a suspension for his latest violation of the NFL substance abuse policy, ESPN reported Thursday.

McClain re-signed in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent on a one-year, $5 million contract. He missed the first four games of the 2015 season serving a ban for violating the same policy.

McClain recovered from offseason surgery in 2015 to play 11 games and record 97 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for loss, 10 pressures, one interception and three pass breakups.

The Cowboys would likely consider releasing McClain if he is suspended based on growing acrimony about his absence and lack of conditioning during the offseason. Coach Jason Garrett said when McClain missed June minicamp that he was dealing with a family matter in Alabama.

Also Thursday, Demarcus Lawrence had his appeal denied and will serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Lawrence, who had a team-best eight sacks last season, is reportedly being suspended due to use of amphetamines.

Defensive end Randy Gregory will also be suspended the first four games and the Cowboys lack proven depth in the front seven.