Giants LB Justin Hilliard suspended two games for PED violation

The New York Giants were unable to avoid an unfortunate headline on the final news-dump Friday of spring 2022. 

On Friday afternoon, the Giants confirmed that linebacker Justin Hilliard has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the upcoming season due to a violation of the league's policy regarding the use of performance-enhancing substances. 

"Hilliard is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. He will be allowed to return to the Giants' active roster on Monday, Sept. 19," the club explained in its brief statement. 

Hilliard took to Twitter to explain. 

"I have been informed by the NFL that I tested positive for a banned diuretic - Spironolactone (Canrenone)," he wrote. "After investigation, it became clear that I mistakenly took my partner's prescription medication instead of my own anti-inflammatory prescription. I am well aware of the NFL's zero-tolerance policy, and I take full responsibility for having a banned substance in my body."

As Jordan Raanan of ESPN and Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk explained, Hilliard signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in the spring of 2021 but failed to make their final roster. He quickly found a home with the Giants, though, and logged two appearances, a total of 15 special teams snaps and zero tackles after a stint on injured reserve (ankle injury). 

The 25-year-old's future beyond his ban is unknown.