Brandon Spikes has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances, the league announced Friday. The Boston Herald was the first to report the suspension.

Spikes’ suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Patriots’ active roster on Monday, January 3 following the team’s final regular season game on January 2 against the Miami Dolphins and is eligible for the playoffs.

Statement from Spikes:

“I’ve been contacted by the NFL and informed that I will be suspended four games for the detection of an illegal substance in a drug test. The substance was a medication that I should have gotten clarification on before taking. It was not a performance enhancer or an illegal drug. The integrity of the game is very important to me. I understand the league’s ruling and apologize to my teammates, the fans and the Patriots organization for this mistake.”