NFL suspends Kevin Faulk

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 30 (UPI) -- New England running back Kevin Faulk has drawn a one-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Faulk, 32, was charged with marijuana possession in February after being found with four hand-rolled cigars filled with pot while at a concert in his home state of Louisiana.

In July, he pleaded no contest to the charge of misdemeanor marijuana possession and was put on probation for a year.

The suspension means the former second-round pick by New England in the 1999 NFL draft out of LSU will miss the Patriots' season-opener next Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is eligible to return to the Patriots' active roster Sept. 8.

Last season, he rushed for 265 yards on 62 carries and added 47 pass receptions for one touchdown and 383 yards.