Patriots RB LeGarrette Blount suspended for season opener

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount has been suspended for the team's 2015 season opener.

New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount has been suspended for the team's 2015 regular-season opener, the NFL announced on Tuesday. 

The suspension is for violating the league's substance abuse policy and will be without pay. Blount was arrested along with Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell for marijuana possession last August. Blount had his misdemeanor marijuana charge dropped by a judge in January after completing community service.

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Blount was released by the Steelers in November after a string of incidents with the team. He later signed with the Patriots, with whom he ran for three touchdowns in the team's playoff run.

The 28-year-old will still be eligible to participate in all off-season and preseason practices and games.

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Overall in 2014, Blount ran for 547 yards and five touchdowns. New England won Super Bowl XLIX over the Seattle Seahawks.

- Molly Geary