Redskins' Trent Williams suspended 4 games for violating NFL substance abuse policy

WASHINGTON - Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams has been suspended for the next four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the team announced Tuesday.

In a statement, the Redskins said, "Today, Trent Williams was suspended by the NFL under the terms of the Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse for the next four games. We met with Trent today to discuss this unfortunate news. Per the terms of the Policy, Trent will be permitted to participate in team meetings and workout at the Redskins' facilities throughout this time. The Redskins are counting on Trent to help our team when he returns from suspension. Our focus will now turn to the Minnesota Vikings after our bye this upcoming weekend. Any questions related to this matter should be directed to the NFL or NFLPA."

The Redskins have a bye week in Week 9, but will miss their upcoming games against the Vikings, Packers, Cowboys and Cardinals. Williams will be eligible to return to the team on Dec. 5 with four games remaining left in the season.

This is Williams second suspension in the NFL. He also served a 4-game suspension after testing positive for marijuana multiple times during the 2011 season.

Williams is in his seventh season with the Redskins and is considered one of the NFL's best left offensive tackles. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl for the last four seasons and was a second-team All-Pro last year.