GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers said Friday that third-year linebacker Torrance Marshall has been suspended by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

	Marshall

Marshall will miss the team's first four regular-season games without pay. He's eligible to return to the active roster Sept. 30. The first game he can play is at home against Seattle on Oct. 5.

He can participate in training camp and the Packers' five exhibition games before his suspension begins Aug. 29.

Marshall, a third-round draft choice from Oklahoma in 2001, hasn't had much of an impact in the NFL, although he had a good minicamp last month and expects to vie for more playing time this season.

Coach and general manager Mike Sherman said the league informed him that Marshall had recently sought help for his problem.

"Sometime after our June minicamp, Torrance sought out the necessary steps in getting the professional help and counseling he needs," Sherman said in a statement. "Hopefully, this will only enhance his ability to put his priorities back in his life.

"I am obviously disappointed that Torrance has put himself in this situation, but I am pleased that he has taken the necessary action to get himself well."

Marshall's agent, Jim Steiner, didn't return a phone message left at his office Friday evening.