TOUCH DOWN A FEW MINUTES AGO: Arizona Cardinals Right Tackle Kelvin Beachum Banned from NFL Activities After Positive Drug Test
In a stunning development that has rocked the Arizona Cardinals organization just days before their Week 3 matchup, right tackle Kelvin Beachum has been officially banned from all National Football League (NFL) activities after testing positive for a banned substance, league officials confirmed Wednesday morning.
The 36-year-old veteran, known for his leadership and durability on the offensive line, reportedly failed a random drug screening conducted earlier this month. Sources inside the league office revealed that the test came back positive for performance-enhancing substances (PEDs), though the exact compound has not yet been made public.
The NFL released a brief statement:
“Kelvin Beachum of the Arizona Cardinals has been suspended indefinitely from participating in all team and league-related activities due to a violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Further information will be released pending the outcome of the appeal process, if initiated.”
Beachum, who signed a one-year extension with Arizona earlier this year, was expected to play a crucial role in protecting quarterback Kyler Murray as the Cardinals look to bounce back from a rocky start to the season. His sudden absence leaves a glaring hole on the offensive line, forcing Arizona to scramble for a replacement just days before kickoff.
The Cardinals have not yet issued an official response, but sources within the team say they were “blindsided” by the news.
Beachum has not yet spoken publicly about the suspension, but league insiders anticipate a statement or possible appeal in the coming days. If the ban is upheld, it could spell the end of the lineman’s 13-year NFL career.
Drafted in 2012 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Beachum has since played for the Jaguars, Jets, and Cardinals, earning a reputation as a reliable and intelligent presence on and off the field.
This latest incident is yet another blow to a Cardinals team already battling injuries and inconsistent play early in the season.
