Clarifying Jerome Simpson's 2014 suspension and his 49ers roster spot

The San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Jerome Simpson to a one-year deal this offseason, following a lost season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. Simpson was suspended three games to start the season due to a 2013 DUI arrest. He served the first two games, but was released before the third game of the suspension.

One question that has hung in my head since the 49ers signed Simpson was what happened to the final game of his suspension. He never joined another roster after his release, so did that mean he still had one game to serve? Thankfully I got some clarification from the NFLPA. They told me that even though Simpson was not on a roster, the league views his suspension as fully served for that third game. That seems a little odd, but who am I to argue?

This was not a huge issue, but could have had roster implications coming out of training camp. When a player is suspended by the league, the team places him on the reserve/suspended list. He in turn does not count against the 53-man roster, so it clears up a spot. This news means Simpson will not be going on that list. I imagine some people figured this was the case, but I just wanted to provide some clarification for those who were not aware.

Simpson recognizes he is facing what could be his last chance in the NFL. He has two suspensions under his belt, and another one could mark the end of his time in the league, particularly given his absence last season. We'll see if he can make something of this chance.