Jayron Hosley, entering his third year with the Giants, was going to be involved in a battle this summer for a roster spot after the cornerback position was bolstered this offseason. That battle just got much tougher for Hosley, as on Wednesday the NFL announced he is suspended without pay for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Hosley is the Giants’ second player and second defensive back in less than a week to be suspended by the league for using illegal drugs. Safety Will Hill, a repeat offender, was suspended for the first six games and soon after was waived by the Giants.
Hosley, 23, is eligible to return to the Giants’ active roster Sept. 26, following the game against the Redskins the day before. He is allowed to participate in all offseason and preseason games and practices.
A 2012 third-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, Hosley played in 23 games with seven starts over two seasons, and had battled through nagging injuries and missed practice time.
This offseason, the Giants signed cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond and re-signed Trumaine McBride. They also have Prince Amukamara returning as a starting cornerback and Charles James in reserve.
That all added up to Hosley having to fight for his spot on the team before the suspension added to the challenge in front of him.