Luke Gifford, a backup linebacker and special teams player for the Dallas Cowboys, has been suspended two games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. He will miss the next two Thursday games against the Washington Football Team and the Baltimore Ravens.
Gifford has been active for six of Dallas’ 10 games so far in 2020. He’s only played one defensive snap this year but has been one of the more heavily-used players on special teams, ranking 7th in total snaps there despite the four missed games.
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Gifford was an undrafted free agent last year and became a fan favorite quickly with big plays in the team’s first 2019 preseason game. An injury cut his August short, though, and limited Luke’s role after he returned in the middle of the regular season.
Possibly due to coaching changes and scheme adjustments this year, Gifford has not been given the opportunities in 2020 that one would’ve expected after last season’s hype.
Nevertheless, Gifford’s absence will force the Cowboys to adapt their LB depth and special teams units as they prepare for the Thanksgiving showdown with the Football Team.
