James Hurst suspended four games for violating the NFL’s PED policy

A bit of bad news to begin the weekend as the Baltimore Ravens just announced OT James Hurst has been suspended for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

“James Hurst of the Baltimore Ravens has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2020 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Hurst is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. He will be allowed to return to his team’s active roster on the Monday following the team’s fourth game.”

This isn’t a significant loss as Hurst has played back-up swing tackle for the team after Orlando Brown Jr. joined the team and usurped Hurst from the starting right tackle role. This will, however, impact the team if any starter suffers injury. He’s shuffled across all positions on the offensive line and contributes well in most roles. This could also impact the team if Marshal Yanda does retire and they can’t find a high-end talent to fill the loss in the draft or free agency.

According to pro-football-reference, Hurst played in all 16 games in 2019, starting two of them. He played 194 offensive snaps, which accounts for nearly a fifth of the teams’ total offensive snaps in 2019. He also played in 91 special teams snaps, which is another fifth of the teams’ total special teams snaps. Hurst did not commit a penalty in 2019.

According to overthecap, Hurst is due $5.25 million in 2020. If he were to be cut, the team would save $2.75 million. I don’t suspect the team will let Hurst walk due to the suspension but it does hinder them.