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Colts Lose Pass Rusher to Suspension by NFL

Originally posted on Indianapolis Colts on SI
By Drake Wally | Last updated 12/6/23

Just as the Indianapolis Colts get back interior defender Grover Stewart after his six-game suspension due to violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, another player is receiving a suspension for the same issue.

Veteran pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad has been suspended six games due to breaking the rule on performance-enhancing substances.

The NFL announced that #Colts DE Al-Quadin Muhammad has been suspended six games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) December 6, 2023

Unless the Colts can get a playoff position, Muhammad’s 2023 year is finished. With five games remaining in the regular season for the Colts, Muhammad's suspension would carry over to Week 1 of the 2024 season if Indy fails to make the playoffs.

It’s true that Muhammad saw no action during the 2023 regular season up to this point. But, he was a crucial piece on the team’s practice squad, preparing the offensive line for physical and athletic edge rushers.

After being with the Chicago Bears for all of the 2022 season, Muhammad found his way back to the Colts practice squad this year, where he had his career-best season in 2021. In 2021, under former defensive coordinator and current Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, Muhammad had career highs in sacks (6), combined tackles (48), and QB hits (13).

We will see if this suspension has any negative impact on how the offense prepares for the crucial five-game stretch to finish the season for Indianapolis. They are just outside of the playoff picture and hope to hit no massive obstacles to close out the regular campaign.