Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan will miss the first four games of the regular season after his appeal of a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances was denied, the league announced Friday.
Lewan, who became the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman last season (5 years, $80 million extension), acknowledged last month he had tested positive for a banned substance and said he would appeal. In the lead up to his appeal, he posted on Instagram a polygraph test to show he didn't knowingly use the banned substance ostarine.
Thank you to everyone who sees this video and supports me. My family and I are so grateful to the Tennessee Titans organization and fans for your support. I will post the polygraph information next. #NoBadDays pic.twitter.com/lE9iEMmLxw
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) July 24, 2019
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Lewan, 28, is in his sixth season with the Titans. He was the 11th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Lewan can continue to participate in Tennessee's preseason activities, including its final two exhibitions, but he will miss regular-season games against the Browns, Colts, Jaguars and Falcons. He will be eligible to return to the team's active roster on Sept. 30. The Titans play the Bills in Week 5.
Dennis Kelly, in his seventh NFL season (fourth with Tennessee), is slated to play left tackle in Lewan's absence. A fifth-round pick by the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelly has started 27 of his 73 NFL games.