Defensive end Shaun Ellis, who led the New York Jets with 8.0 sacks in 2008, officially has been **suspended for the regular-season opener** at Reliant Stadium. The expected suspension was reported eight days ago and confirmed today. Ellis is being suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy, stemming from a November arrest for marijuana possession.
Ellis is the second Jets starting defensive player to be suspended for the opener, joining linebacker Calvin Pace. Pace received a four-game suspension in July for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Between Ellis and Pace, the Jets will be missing 15.0 sacks of their 41.0 sacks from the 2008 season (36.5 percent).
