FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Jalen Collins has been suspended without pay for the first 10 games of the 2017 regular season for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances.
It's a 10-game ban because this is Collins' second suspension for the same violation. Last year Collins was suspended without pay and missed the first four games of the regular season.
Collins will be eligible to return to the Falcons' active roster on Nov. 21 – the day after Atlanta's Week 11 "Monday Night Football" game in Seattle against the Seahawks. While serving the suspension, Collins is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games leading up to Week 1 of the regular season.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff issued the following statement regarding Collins' suspension:
"We are extremely disappointed that for the second straight season we are dealing with a suspension for Jalen. Such are the consequences when certain choices are made. Our decisions going forward will be based on what Dan (Quinn) and I feel is best for the team."
Collins, 24, saw increased playing time in his second season playing in eight games for the Falcons last season, starting six of them. The cornerback posted 28 tackles, two interceptions and broke up 10 passes. In two seasons in Atlanta, Collins has started eight games, tallied 39 tackles and three assists.
The Falcons drafted the former LSU standout in the second round (42nd overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft.
