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Trent Murphy Officially Suspended Four Games For Violating NFL’s PED Policy

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tackle Bobby Massie (70) and running back Jordan Howard (24) and Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tackle Bobby Massie (70) and running back Jordan Howard (24) and Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Trent Murphy attempted to appeal a suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy. He lost and will miss the first four games of the season.

The Washington Redskins were dealt a major blow on Friday afternoon by the NFL. After appealing a suspension, it was found that Redskins linebacker Trent Murphy had violated the league’s PED policy. This was confirmed by the Redskins Twitter. He is now set to miss the first four games of the season, and that will greatly hurt the Redskins pass rush.

Last season, Murphy enjoyed what was easily his best season in the NFL. After only recording six total sacks in his first two seasons combined, Murphy exploded in his role as a backup. He notched nine sacks on the season, and was able to use his combination of strength and speed to become a consistent threat. This was all after an offseason that saw Murphy gain weight to try and transition to defensive end, and then lose weight after the Redskins realized they were weak at rush linebacker.

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As if the absence of Murphy was not enough, the Redskins are also going to be dealing with the fallout of the Junior Galette arrest. Galette, a backup who has not played in two years due to two torn Achilles, is no longer a guarantee to make the roster, as he is constantly hurt and in legal trouble.

Without the duo, the Redskins only have special teams ace Houston Bates, who is coming off a torn ACL, and Lynden Trail, a former practice squad player who saw action with the team last year. Neither is a quality backup option, and the other linebackers on the roster do not project to be difference makers either. Thus, the Redskins may need to spend a draft pick on a young rusher with upside.

This is not an impossible task, especially given the talented players that are available in this year’s class. The team could opt to target a guy like Alabama’s Ryan Anderson on Day 2 of the draft, or they could hope to land a player like Carroll Phillips of Illinois in the early stages of Day 3.

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Regardless of what happens, the absence of Murphy is sure to impact the Redskins. They need to have some sort of consistency on their defense, but they have not yet found that. Without Murphy, it will take longer for Greg Manusky to figure out his defensive rotation. That will hinder the team in the short term, but it will not be a major problem long term provided that Murphy does not violate the policy again.

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