The NFL announced safety Christian Thompson has been suspended without pay for the Baltimore Ravens' first four games of the 2013 season for violating the league's substance abuse police.

Some are probably asking: Who's Christian Thompson? He's a fourth-round pick from last year. And last season, this wouldn't be a big deal. But, after the Ravens parted ways with both starting safeties, Thompson had been considered one of the top backups for 2013.

The Ravens now only have three experienced safeties for the first quarter of the season: Michael Huff, James Ihedigbo and Omar Brown. Thompson played in seven games last season and didn't record a tackle on defense or special teams before going on injured reserve Nov. 17 with a knee injury.

“We have been aware of this situation for some time,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement.

Thompson is eligible to participate in all of the preseason games and practices. He can return to the Ravens' active roster after the team's fourth regular season game.