The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without Kwon Alexander for the next four weeks, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The NFL suspended the promising rookie linebacker four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. Alexander is believed to have tested positive for a banned substance during training camp.

This is a huge blow to the Buccaneers' defense, as Alexander has blossomed into one of the best young linebackers in the league this season. The fourth-round draft pick out of LSU is second on the Bucs in tackles and has started all 12 games.

Alexander said he would appeal the suspension and the appeals process allowed him to continue to play for two more games, including a 23-19 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. However, he reportedly dropped his appeal and will miss the final four games of the regular season.

"I've never been in any trouble or anything, so it's very disappointing," Alexander said when the punishment was first announced, via Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune. "I’m definitely going to appeal it, and whatever the (result of) the appeal process is, I’ll come back even stronger."

Alexander is not eligible to return until the postseason or next season, depending on if the 6-6 Buccaneers are able to earn a wild card berth. Tampa Bay finishes the season with games against the Saints, Rams, Bears and Panthers.

The highlight of Alexander's season came Nov. 1 when he recorded 11 tackles, intercepted a pass and forced and recovered a fumble in the Buccaneers' 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Alexander dedicated the game ball to his 17-year-old brother, who passed away two days before the game.

But now Tampa Bay's defense, which has allowed the 10th-most points in the league, will likely have to move on without him through the final stretch of the season.