Haloti Ngata suspended 4 games

— -- OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been suspended for the rest of the regular season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the team announced Thursday.

Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl defender, received a four-game suspension from the NFL, and he's eligible to return for the playoffs if the Ravens make the postseason.

He will forfeit $2.1 million in salary as a result of the suspension.

"I made a mistake, and I own this," Ngata said in a statement. "I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win."

The Ravens will likely turn to rookie second-round pick Timmy Jernigan to replace Ngata.

In his ninth season, Ngata was having one of his better years in recent memory. He had two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven batted passes.

With Ngata in the middle of the defense, the Ravens ranked No. 4 against the run this season. He is signed through the 2015 season.

"This is disappointing news for the Ravens," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We are disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with himself."

Ngata is eligible to return on Monday, Dec. 29.

Under its agreement with the union, the NFL doesn't identify the substance when a player is punished. Adderall has frequently been blamed by suspended players in recent years, but the league cannot confirm or deny whether that was the basis for the positive test. Still, the NFL have been concerned about an increase in Adderall use.

The league's drug tests don't differentiate between Adderall and other amphetamines, which can help with concentration and stamina. Players diagnosed with ADHD can apply for a therapeutic use exemption that permits them to take Adderall.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.