Onterrio Smith Suspension Becomes Official

The NFL confirmed today that running back Onterrio Smith has been suspended for four games.

Running back Onterrio Smith has known for months that he could be suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Tuesday the official ink hit the paper.

In a release from an NFL spokesman, the league stated Smith will be eligible to return to the team’s active roster on Monday, Nov. 1 following their Oct. 31 game against the New York Giants.

The Vikings are already without running back Michael Bennett this Sunday and Moe Williams is questionable, both with injuries. Rookie Mewelde Moore is expected to start Sunday, with first-year pro Larry Ned serving as his likely backup.

The Vikings have an open roster spot with Smith’s suspension and could use that spot to sign another running back for Sunday.