NFL suspends New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon for four games

Expectations were high for second-year New York Jets tight end Chris Herndon, but the 23-year-old budding playmaker won't see the field until Oct. 7. The NFL has suspended Herndon four games without pay for violating the league's substance abuse policy. In January, Herndon pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated stemming from a two-car crash in June 2018. Both Herndon and the other driver, 76, sustained minor injuries. According to the New York Post, an eyewitness told police Herndon was driving more than 100 mph.

Herndon's absence is a big blow to the Jets; the 6-4, 253-pounder caught 39 passes for 502 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. He'll miss games vs. Buffalo, vs. Cleveland, at New England and at Philadelphia, though he has the right to appeal.

Under new coach Adam Gase, the Jets still have a promising offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Le'Veon Bell and wideout Robby Anderson. But they now have no proven pass-catcher at tight end.

Daniel Brown (35 career catches) and fourth-round pick Trevon Wesco, of West Virginia, are the main candidates to replace Herndon as the receiving tight end.

Bookmakers list the Jets at 80-1 to win the Super Bowl. For its Sept. 8 season opener, New York is listed as a 3-point home favorite over the Buffalo Bills.