/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46823018/GettyImages-459762656.0.jpg)
ESPN's Adam Schefter announced earlier today that the NFL has suspended Kansas City Chiefs starting cornerback Sean Smith for three games due to a DUI.
NFL is suspending Chiefs CB Sean Smith 3 games after he pled guilty last month for DUI and received two years’ probation, per NFL source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2015
Smith pleaded guilty to the DUI charge this past April. The usual punishment for a DUI is two games, but the NFL added one extra game to the punishment because of extenuating circumstances(hit a street lamp). The Chiefs released a statement saying that they respect and support the league's decision in this matter.
This means that the Chiefs will be without their starting cornerback when they host the Denver Broncos on week two.
This is a big loss for the Chiefs defense. Smith was their number one cornerback last season, and helped lead a secondary that did not allow a quarterback to throw over 300 yards last season. Also, Pro Football Focus ranked Smith as the fifth best cornerback in the league last season.
Now they will rely on first-round pick Marcus Peters and Phillip Gaines to try to stop Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Cody Latimer on week two. The Chiefs haven't been able to stop Peyton yet during his career with the Broncos, and I believe they will not be able to come the second week of the season.
Go Broncos!