Suspension announced

The NFL announced Tuesday that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones has been suspended for the first three games of the regular season for violating the league's substances of abuse policy. The league did not disclose the nature of the violation.

Jones, 26, joined the Vikings in 2024 as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland. He spent the past two seasons on the team's practice squad before being elevated for the final game of last season, in which he returned two punts for five yards.

Timing and eligibility

The suspension begins on Sunday, Aug. 30, and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Sept. 28. Jones is eligible to participate in all remaining preseason activities, including the Vikings' preseason finale on Friday at Denver.

The suspension runs without pay, according to FOX 9.

Roster implications

Jones's suspension coincides with the Vikings' deadline to trim their roster to 53 players on Sunday, the day his suspension starts. NBC Sports reported that Jones will find out later this week whether he makes the cut.

Per the Associated Press, Jones was already facing stiff competition for a roster spot, with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings locked into primary receiving spots, and Tai Felton and Myles Price among those in contention for backup roles.

Jones's college career at Maryland spanned six seasons, during which he recorded 2,040 receiving yards on 151 receptions with 14 touchdowns, according to the Associated Press.