Green Bay Packers' Mike Pennel accepts four-game suspension

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Pennel agreed to a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the league announced Tuesday.

Pennel was facing a 10-game ban for a second offense but filed a lawsuit in an Ohio federal court last week, claiming that the NFL and the NFL Players Association didn't follow the rules listed in the collective bargaining agreement during the appeals process.

Instead, the settlement means that Pennel will miss the final four games of the regular season and will be eligible for reinstatement on Jan. 2. He could play in any postseason games if Green Bay qualifies.

Pennel missed the first four contests of this season due to a first violation of the same policy.

The Packers declined comment, citing the "confidentiality of the process."

Pennel, 25, played in eight games this season with no starts and collected five tackles and two assists.