Rob Ninkovich will serve a four-game suspension to open the 2016 regular season after a positive test for a banned substance.

The NFL said in a statement that Ninkovich is eligible to return from his suspension, which is without pay, on Monday, Oct. 3.

Ninkovich told ESPN on Friday that he is devastated and shocked, and said he would never knowingly take an illegal substance.

"Few things are more important to me than my name and reputation. This might call that into question for some, which has me heartbroken," Ninkovich said. "I don't want to cut any corners. I want to do things the right way, with high integrity, and that's what I have always wanted to stand for."