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Cowboys middle linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended for the first 10 games of the 2016 NFL season, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter.
This marks the second year in a row McClain has been suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. McClain was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 last season.
McClain isn't the only Cowboys defensive starter to earn a suspension this offseason. Starting defensive ends Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence will each miss the first four games of this upcoming season. Losing three starters like that obviously is a significant blow to the Cowboys' defense. Note that Dallas plays two key division games against the Giants and Washington in the first two weeks of their schedule.
The Philadelphia Eagles first play the Cowboys in Week 8, so McClain will miss that game. His suspension will be well over by the time the two teams meet again in Week 17.