BOSTON (CBS) – Patriots linebacker/defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham has been suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances.

Cunningham, who has recorded 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 11 games for New England this season, will begin serving his suspension immediately  He is eligible to return to the Patriots’ active roster on Monday, December 24.

A second-round pick in 2010 out of Florida, Cunningham has played in 35 games for the Patriots over his three-year career, totaling 58 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Cunningham is the second Patriots player to be suspended by the NFL this season for violating their policy on performance enhancing drugs. Injured running back Brandon Bolden is currently serving a four-game suspension for his violation of the league’s policy.