Markus Bailey suspended six games for PED use

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Bailey (27) has received a six-game suspension from the NFL for breaching the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

The linebacker, who was on the practice squad, was included on the official roster for the Cardinals' matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on October 21st, a game they won 17-15. Bailey participated in all 16 special teams snaps but did not play any defensive snaps.

"I have always been and always will be a clean athlete," Bailey stated in an official announcement.

A former player for Purdue University, Bailey was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, where he started only four games. During his time with the Bengals, he recorded 73 tackles, two tackles for loss, and half a sack.

Following the announcement of Bailey's suspension, the Cardinals confirmed the signing of offensive lineman Charlie Heck, who has been assigned to the practice squad to fill Bailey's position.

Currently, the Cardinals are engaged in a competitive battle for the NFC West title, leading the division with a record of 6-4. They are on a four-game winning streak, with their latest victory occurring on November 10th against the New York Jets, whom they defeated decisively with a score of 31-6.

The Cardinals have not claimed the NFC South title since their impressive 13-3 season in 2015, which concluded with a loss to the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Should the team achieve a winning record this season, it would mark only their third such record in the past decade.