Safety Will Hill has been suspended for the first six games of the season after violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, the New York Giants announced Friday.

Hill can participate in OTAs, training camp and preseason games, but won't be eligible for the active roster until Oct. 13, one day after the Philadelphia Eagles game.

Giants safety Will Hill had 77 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles last season. Harry E. Walker/MCT/Getty Images

The Giants declined further comment on the suspension.

Hill initially appealed the NFL's findings, but it was denied. In a worst-case scenario, the NFL could have suspended Hill for the entire season.

Despite his potential, Hill has not been able to keep clear of the NFL's rules on drug use.

The Giants signed Hill, a native of West Orange, New Jersey, in 2012 as a free agent. That October, the NFL suspended him for using a performance-enhancing drug that he said was Adderall.

In 2013, Hill was suspended four games for violating the substance-abuse policy, which he later said was due to marijuana use.

This is technically Hill's third strike, and it is unlikely the Giants would make a long-term investment in a player who can't stay on the field.

The Giants drafted Nat Berhe, a safety out of San Diego State, in the fifth round in May.