PHX Reporter

The NFL has suspended linebacker Markus Bailey for six games due to a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. The suspension was announced on Tuesday, affecting Bailey, who is currently part of the practice squad.

Bailey will be eligible to return after the Week 17 game against the Rams, with one week remaining in the regular season. This season, Bailey was elevated from the practice squad and participated in one game.

In response to Bailey's suspension, the Cardinals have re-signed offensive lineman Charlie Heck to fill his spot on the practice squad. Heck had been released from the roster on Monday. The team now has an open roster spot, with a deadline approaching to activate offensive lineman Jonah Williams from Injured Reserve by Wednesday.

Markus Bailey issued a statement regarding his suspension: "Anyone who knows me knows I would never have purposely taken any banned substance and that I've always been very intentional about what I put in my body," he wrote. "I've been tested countless times over the course of my NFL and college career and I've always been clean. I am accepting the suspension now so that I can put this behind me and get back in the locker room with my brothers as soon as possible this season. I have always been and will always be a clean athlete."