Dolphins' Dion Jordan suspended 4 games for failed drug test

If Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan is to have a breakout season in 2014, it won't start until at least the fifth game of the season.

The NFL and Dolphins announced Thursday that Jordan, the No. 3 pick in the 2013 draft, has been suspended four games for violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy.

"I recently learned from the NFL that I tested positive for stimulants that are banned under the NFL policy. I worked carefully with my advisors and the union to investigate the test results, and I take full responsibility for the test results," Jordan said in a statement released by the Dolphins.. 

"II'm very sorry for the impact of this situation on my teammates, coaches, Stephen Ross, the entire Dolphins organization, fans and my family as well. I will continue to work extremely hard during training camp and preseason. During the suspension, I will stay in top shape and will be ready to contribute upon my return."

The Dolphins traded up to draft Jordan last year, but Jordan failed to meet the expectations that came with being the No. 3 pick as a rookie. He failed to make the Dolphins' starting lineup, and he had just two sacks.

2014 NFL PLAYER SUSPENSIONS FULLSCREEN

Dolphins DE Dion Jordan: Suspended four games - violating performance-enhancing drug policy. Dolphins DE Dion Jordan: Suspended four games - violating performance-enhancing drug policy.  Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY SportsFULLSCREEN

Dolphins DE Dion Jordan: Suspended four games - violating performance-enhancing drug policy. Eagles OL Lane Johnson: Suspended 4 games -violation of performance-enhancing drugs policy. LB Daryl Washington, Cardinals: Suspended at least one year  – violation of substance-abuse policy. WR Justin Blackmon, Jaguars: Indefinite suspension – violation of substance-abuse policy. WR Stedman Bailey, Rams: Suspended 4 games – violation of performance-enhancing drugs policy. OLB Robert Mathis, Colts: Suspended 4 games – violation of substance-abuse policy. S Will Hill, formerly of Giants: Suspended 6 games – violation of substance-abuse policy. DE Frank Alexander, Panthers: Suspended 4 games – violation of substance-abuse policy. CB Jayron Hosley, Giants: Suspended 4 games – violation of substance-abuse policy.

Not pictured: DE Brandon Moore, Redskins: Suspended 4 games – violation of substance-abuse policy and LB Jake Knott, Eagles: Suspended 4 games – violation of performance-enhancing drugs policy.

The Dolphins were counting on a much bigger contribution from Jordan this year when paired with defensive end Cameron Wake.

The Miami Herald reported in May that Jordan had bulked up this spring to prepare for the 2014 season, gaining nearly 20 pounds, from 248 last year, to over 265 pounds this offseason.

"We were disappointed to learn about Dion's suspension," Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said in a statement. "Dion has accepted responsibility for his actions and is committed to improving, both on and off the field, in preparation for the upcoming year."

Jordan will be allowed to participate in Dolphins' training camp, but he will be barred from the team's facility once the preseason ends. He is eligible to return to the Dolphins' active roster on Sept. 29.