New Orleans Saints S Kenny Vaccaro drops PED appeal

New Orleans Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro dropped his appeal and will begin serving his four-game suspension on Sunday for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Vaccaro's absence could not have come at a more pivotal time for the Saints (5-7), who visit the NFC South co-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET). The 25-year-old is eligible to return should New Orleans qualify for the postseason.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Vaccaro's ban is tied to a positive test for Adderall.

Vaccaro collected 67 tackles, one sack, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 11 games this season. He has recorded 321 tackles, six sacks, five interceptions and four forced fumbles since being selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft out of Texas.

The Saints, whose 27th-ranked defense yields 374.8 yards per game, are relative deep at the safety position, with veteran Roman Harper likely to see more playing time in Vaccaro's absence.