The debut of New Orleans Saints rookie Jake Haener will have to wait for a while.
The NFL suspended the quarterback out of Fresno State on Wednesday for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Haener will miss the season's first six games without pay, forfeiting $250,000 of his $750,000 base salary this year.
The 24-year-old has mostly worked as the team's third-string quarterback this summer behind starter Derek Carr and backup Jameis Winston.
Haener will return to the team on October 16 and be eligible to make his regular-season debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 19.
Named into the First-team All-Mountain West in 2022, Haener was selected by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 127th overall pick.
In three preseason games, the rookie quarterback went 38-of-72 for 395 yards, alongside one touchdown and three interceptions.
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Jake Haener not sure how he took illegal substance
Haener took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to apologize for the failed test, admitting that he had no idea how he took an illegal substance.
"I still do not know how the substance got into my body, as none of my supplements or prescribed medications contain the banned ingredient. I would never knowingly cheat the game that I love," Haener said.
He added that he must take full responsibility for the incident, and while disappointed that he will be away from the team, Haener is already looking forward to his return.
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