Bears DT Nate Collins suspended for one game

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Nate Collins has been suspended for the first game of the season without pay and fined an additional game check.

The NFL announced the suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Collins was signed by the Bears in May and will have an opportunity to compete for a backup job with a cast of veterans like John McCargo and DeMario Pressley. In February, Collins was arrested in Virginia for marijuana possession. He was pulled over because his windows were too dark with tint and police discovered marijuana in the trunk.

Collins was with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season and they placed an exclusive rights tender on him but rescinded it after he was arrested. The 24-year-old Collins will be able to participate in training camp and preseason before sitting out Week 1 of the season.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune