The NFL announced that New England Patriots defensive end Jermaine Cunningham has been suspended for four games for violation the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Cunningham, a second-round pick from Florida in 2010, has been the top backup to rookie Chandler Jones this season. His loss thins out the Patriots pass rush, during the stretch run of the season with New England looking to lock up the AFC East soon and working toward securing a first-round bye in the postseason.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com