Dolphins RB Mark Walton Suspended 4 Games for Violating NFL's Substance Abuse Policy

The Miami Dolphins finally won a game, but that win cost them their No. 1 wide receiver and their starting running back.

Just hours after they confirmed that breakout receiver Preston Williams was lost for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, the team announced that running back Mark Walton will be suspended for four games after he violated the NFL's conduct and substance abuse policies.

Walton, who was a stud in college at Miami, slipped to the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2018 draft after suffering a major knee injury. After an unsuccessful rookie year that included three serious offseason arrests, Walton was cut and latched on in Miami.

Walton has 201 yards rushing on 53 carries this season, taking over the reins as the starting running back following the trade of Kenyan Drake and the declining play of Kalen Ballage.

For the first time in his pro career, Walton looked to be improving on and off the field. As this latest report from the league office unfortunately confirms, Walton is right back to square one, and could find himself on the street if he continues to act up.

Still, based on the Brian Flores' statement, they're all in on Walton and he will have no issue re-gaining his spot in the rotation upon his return from the suspension.

With Walton out of commission for the next four weeks, Kalen Ballage is expected to see an uptick in carries, but don't be surprised if the Dolphins scoop up a veteran running back as well. Walton is able to return in Week 14 when Miami play the New York Jets at Metlife Stadium.