Giants’ Odighizuwa suspended four games

New York Giants’ backup defensive end Owa Odighizuwa has been suspended for the first four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. » New York Giants backup defensive end Owa Odighizuwa has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The league announced the suspension Monday, less than a week before teams have to reduce their rosters to 53 players.

It was questionable whether Odighizuwa would have made the roster. He missed most of the off-season training and hasn’t talked to the media since the team reported to training camp.

Odighizuwa will be eligible to return to the Giants’ active roster on Oct. 2, a day after the team’s game against Tampa Bay.

A third-round pick out of UCLA in 2015, Odighizuwa is eligible to participate in all remaining preseason practices and games.

Odighizuwa played in 14 games last season, missing two with a knee injury. He was inactive for the playoff game against Green Bay. He played in four games as a rookie, a season marred by foot and hamstring injuries.

NOTES: WR Brandon Marshall (shoulder) returned to practice on a limited basis for the first time since being hurt against Cleveland last Monday . ... McAdoo said he is “absolutely” hopeful WR Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) will be ready for the season opener. The 24-year-old is making progress and is listed as day to day, the coach said.

The Associated Press