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San Diego • The NFL says nose tackle Tenny Palepoi of the San Diego Chargers has been suspended without pay for the team's next four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The Chargers (5-8) are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoff race. If the Chargers do miss the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons, Palepoi will also miss the 2017 season opener.

Palepoi played for Utah in 2012-13.

The Chargers say in a statement that while they are disappointed to hear the news, they respect and support the league's decision.

Chargers defensive end Damion Square was suspended for the season's first four games after missing a drug test in January.