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KC Chiefs starting right tackle Donald Stephenson has been suspended for the first four games of the 2014 NFL season. Stephenson blames it on a medication he didn't clear with the league before taking. You can read the NFL and Chiefs statements here.
Reactions to the news that Stephenson is gone for four games hasn't been pleasant. With Eric Fisher struggling while coming back from shoulder surgery, the Chiefs offensive line looks to be in quite a bit of trouble.
More: Chiefs options to replace Stephenson
Stephenson is a big loss for an offensive line in KC that already had big questions.
— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) August 22, 2014
Saying Donald Stephenson is the Chiefs best OT is like saying Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Texans best QB. Low bar to clear.
— Pete Damilatis (@PFF_Pete) August 22, 2014
Granted, Donald Stephenson was a lot better 2nd half last yr, but still not as big a loss as you might think.
— Pete Damilatis (@PFF_Pete) August 22, 2014
At least we have our cornerstone, first overall T to anchor the line until Stephenson gets back. #fartnoises #Chiefs
— Grant Lambert (@glambert3324) August 22, 2014
Alex Smith better gets is track shoes on w/ Stephenson suspension. Should've tagged Bowe last yr signed Albert like I said but #imnottheGM
— Parker_ (@parkerjas1) August 22, 2014
Oh lord just saw the Stephenson news. Alex is going to get murdered behind this line
— David⚾ (@KCDave116) August 22, 2014
#Chiefs OT Donald Stephenson suspended. Will miss #Titans game. That's two starters out for KC along with Dwayne Bowe.
— Greg Arias (@TNFBExaminer) August 22, 2014
Chiefs' OL was struggling even before Stephenson's suspension. Leading candidates to replace him are Ryan Harris and Jeff Linkenbach
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 22, 2014
This has not been an encouraging two weeks for the #Chiefs. Bowe, Stephenson suspended. OL/DB problems in Carolina. JC hurts foot MOVING.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 22, 2014
#Chiefs learned of suspension this morning. Didn't know Stephenson would b out 4 games when they traded Rishaw yesterday. Bad break.
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) August 22, 2014
This #Chiefs season has DISASTER written all over it. Albert departure + Stephenson suspension + Fisher incompetence= dysfunctional line
— Heath Cummings (@heathcummingssr) August 22, 2014