On Sunday, it was learned that free agent nose tackle Jason Ferguson was facing an 8-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs.
At age 35 and rehabbing from a torn quadriceps, it appeared his days in Miami were over.
Yet in a surprise move, the Dolphins re-signed the 14-year veteran on Tuesday to an undisclosed contract.
So why would the Dolphins make such an uncharacteristic move?
Well, there’s a distinct possibility that Ferguson might not have been sufficiently recovered from his injury by Week 1 anyway. So there is a chance the Dolphins would have placed him on the PUP list, rendering the Georgia grad ineligible for the season’s first six games.
As with the PUP list, teams are granted a roster exemption for suspended players. So the Dolphins would be able to fill Ferguson’s roster spot with someone else. Only in this case, the Dolphins will not have to pay #95 while he’s out of action.
The suspension does not go into effect until the regular season. In some cases, players are permitted to practice and participate in workouts/meetings/etc. while on suspension. They’re simply banished on gameday.
No word on whether this which will be the case for Ferguson.
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