

Cleveland Browns starting cornerback Joe Haden has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the team and league announced Monday.

Haden tested positive in the offseason for the stimulant Adderall, according to espncleveland.com.

The NFL issued a statement, which read: "Joe Haden of the Cleveland Browns has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Haden's suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to return to the Browns' active roster on Monday, October 8 following the team's October 7 game against the New York Giants."

Haden had a productive game in the Browns' opener, collecting six tackles and an interception in the 17-16 loss to Philadelphia.

"There's nothing like playing football," Haden told the Cleveland Plain Dealer after the game. " That's what I've been trained to do my whole life and being out there with my teammates and T.J. and all the boys, you feel comfortable, you feel at home, you feel at peace, I was just happy to be out there playing with them."

Haden started all 15 games in which he played last season. Dimitri Patterson will replace Haden in the starting lineup.