The Patriots will have to kick off their title defense without running back LeGarrette Blount.
The NFL announced Tuesday that Blount has been suspended for one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Blount was arrested last summer for marijuana possession when police stopped a car he was traveling in with then-Steelers teammate Le’Veon Bell. Blount’s case was resolved earlier this year when prosecutors dropped the charge after Blount did 50 hours of community service. Bell was driving the car and charged with DUI in the case, which was resolved with a sentence of probation, and faces a likely two-game suspension from the league.
Blount joined the Patriots for the final five games of the 2014 regular season after he was released by the Steelers and ran for 281 yards and three touchdowns. He added 189 more yards during the playoffs and scored three touchdowns during the 45-7 blowout of the Colts in the AFC Championship game.