Dion Jordan eligible for return to Dolphins as suspension ends

After being suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season, only to see that suspension shortened to two games and then be suspended for an additional four games, Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan can finally join his team. Jordan was suspended this offseason for violating the performance enhancing drug policy, an offense Jordan said came from a supplement he was using during the offseason.

Under the league's new drug policy, which went into effect during the season and was retroactive to the offseason, many of the players suspended this year either had their suspensions lifted or shortened. Jordan, however, was not allowed back with the team, a move that initially was believed to be for his initial violation not meeting the new criteria. Speculation either had Jordan failing the drug test prior to the March league year change, when the new drug policy retroactively went into effect, or that he tested positive for something still covered under the performance enhancing drug policy.

A couple of days after the drug policy was finalized, the Dolphins released a statement acknowledging the second suspension. Jordan, in a statement released through the team, said, "I am currently undergoing treatment to address my situation. I am working hard to become a better man and to make better choices in the future."

Earlier this year, Dolphins safety Reshad Jones returned to the team after serving a four game suspension for violating the drug policy.

Miami beat the Chicago Bears yesterday to complete their sixth game of the year, which fulfills the two suspensions for Jordan and now clears the way for his return. As they did with Jones, Miami will likely welcome Jordan back to the team facilities early this week before making the required roster moves to activate Jordan later this week.

Miami will have to release someone in order to remove Jordan from the suspended list.

The team will also have to define Jordan's role in the defense. He excels as a pass rusher, but can also be used as a linebacker, covering tight ends. The team has previously stated they see him as a defensive end, but with the success of Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon at those positions, the Dolphins may have to be creative to find ways to get Jordan, the 2013 third overall draft choice, on the field more than as just a rotational replacement for Vernon.

The Dolphins face the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.