Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing his third suspension, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, but his first for violating the league's drug policy.

Schefter reported Burfict will be suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs, pending an appeal. Burfict has been suspended twice previously, both for violations of the league's player safety policy. The 27-year-old has also been fined four times for plays on the field.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted if Burfict is unsuccessful in his appeal of the suspension, the guarantees in his three-year, $38.68 million contract he signed with the Bengals ahead of last season will be void, and the Bengals can walk away if they choose.

Burfict has only played in two full seasons in his six-year career with the Bengals and suited up for only 10 games last year. He finished with 48 tackles and two pass defences.