The NFL announced Tuesday that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Drake Stoops will miss the first two games of the 2025 season after violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The suspension means Stoops will miss the opening stretch of the regular season without pay, though he remains eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games.

Stoops has yet to appear in a regular-season NFL game. The former Oklahoma standout signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but spent the entire season on the practice squad. Now, just as he aims to secure a roster spot, he faces an early setback.

Drake Stoops’ NFL Journey Hits A Bump

ESPN’s Sarah Barshop first reported the suspension, detailing that Stoops will be sidelined for Weeks 1 and 2 before being eligible to return. The Los Angeles Rams have yet to comment publicly on the situation.

Drake Stoops made a solid impression in the 2024 preseason, recording six receptions for 55 yards and three first downs across three games. The former Sooners receiver, son of legendary Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, totaled 164 catches for 1,876 yards and 17 touchdowns in college.

For a player trying to carve out a role in the NFL, missing valuable early-season reps presents a challenge. Drake Stoops will have the preseason to show his skills, but when the regular season begins, he’ll be watching from the sidelines.