Cleveland, OH. (PFCritics) -- It looks like the Bengals will need Ahmad Brooks linebacker skills sooner than later. Last year's first-round draft pick Odell Thurman has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. According to sources, Thurman either tested positive for the drug test or failed to take the test. Either way, the suspension will stand, even if an appeal is made.

Thurman was one of the best rookie defensive players last year, and was a key contributor to the Bengals' high percentage of causing turnovers. To go along with a team-high 148 tackles, Thurman forced four fumbles and intercepted five passes. During the Bengals mini-camp in June, Thurman was excused from camp for personal reasons, according to head coach Marvin Lewis.

Although Thurman is gone, the Bengals are still deep at the linebacker position. They have second-year man David Pollack, Caleb Miller, Landon Johnson, and Brian Simmons to go along with Brooks.