This is a tough break for Brock Rechsteiner. On Thursday, the NFL announced that the New Orleans Saints wide receiver has been suspended for the first six games of his rookie season, as first reported by our own Arye Pulli. While it’s not immediately clear why Rechsteiner has been suspended, it’s worth noting that penalties for using performance-enhancing drugs begin with a four-game suspension on a first offense, which increases to a six-game suspension by attempting to manipulate a test result.
Rechsteiner was a long shot to make the 53-man roster after signing with the Saints after trying out as an undrafted free agent, but he’s still a good candidate to return on the practice squad. The good news for him is that he’ll be able to compete at training camp and throughout the three preseason games, if the Saints do choose to keep him on their 90-man offseason roster. His suspension doesn’t begin until the roster cuts deadline on Aug. 30. While the team could opt to let him go, they’re not short on roster spots after losing Bryan Bresee to season-ending knee surgery at the same time Ja’Lynn Polk unexpectedly chose to retire. They may just let this play out.
Update: In a statement from the league to Saints Wire: “The NFL suspended New Orleans Saints’ Brock Rechsteiner for the first six regular season games of the 2026 season for violating the NFL-NFLPA performance-enhancing substances policy. He is eligible to participate in all preseason activities, including games.”
