The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Daryl Washington for the first four games of the 2013 NFL season for violating the league's substance absue policy. The league and team both announced Washington's suspension Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Washington is coming off a breakout season in which he made the Pro Bowl as an alternate while leading Arziona with 140 tackles, 110 of them solo. He also recorded nine sacks, 14 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception, one fumble recovery and six passes defensed.

Washington's nine sacks were the most by an NFL inside linebacker. He also led the team in tackles in 2011.

Washington is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and in preseason games. A second-round draft pick out of TCU in 2010, Washington had signed a six-year contract in September. He will have a $10 million option bonus due by the last day of the 2013 league year.