The NFL has suspended San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates for the first four games of the 2015 regular season for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

Gates will not be eligible to play in a contest until the October 12 Monday night home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gates is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. His official return to the active roster will be on Monday, October 5, the following day after the team's game against the Cleveland Browns.