A week after securing a spot on his fourth Pro Bowl roster, full back Marcel Reece was suspended by the league for four games.
Multiple reports indicated Reece’s suspension coming from a violation of the League’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece suspended for four games for violating performance-enhancing drug policy
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 28, 2015
Reece will miss the Raiders’ next four games, including three games next season. He also loses eligibility for participation in Pro Bowl.
“I know he’s disappointed and doesn’t really feel like it’s justified.” Head Coach Jack Del Rio said Monday after the announcement.
Now, the Raiders will rely on Jamize Olawale as Reece’s primary replacement. Olawale signed a three-year contract extension earlier this season.
Otherwise, Del Rio said Roy Helu Jr. could also get some added snaps in the season finale versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
Reece was already facing a diminishing role with the Raiders this season, but it is still a huge blow to the Raider fan favorite.
This season, Reece posted 3 receiving touchdowns and 266 yards receiving.
The fullback has a $3.58 million cap hit this season, and a $3.53 cap hit next season, the final year of his current deal.
In my opinion, Reece should be back with the squad next season. For the past few seasons, Reece represented the brand well in the community and at the Pro Bowl.
The Raiders have more than $65 million in cap. They must pay someone, so why not one of their own?
It may be redundant with Olawale on the Roster, but they could battle for the position in training camp. The loser could be cut or traded for a seventh rounder.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what the Raiders do with Reece moving forward.
