Tampa Bay safety Tanard Jackson plans to enter a rehabilitation center in the near future as part of a process to stay clean and to get back into the NFL, a team official told NFL.com.
Jackson was suspended last week for a year after a third violation of the substance abuse policy.
May 2010 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wiretap
Tanard Jackson Suspended For At Least One Year
Safety Tanard Jackson of the Buccaneers was suspended for a minimum of one year without pay for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
The league made the announcement, saying the fourth-year pro has been suspended indefinitely but will be eligible for reinstatement beginning Sept. 22, 2011.
"Obviously, it's frustrating and disappointing for everybody," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said.
Josh Freeman Plans To Play In Opener
Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman plans to play in the team's season opener this weekend.
He practiced on Tuesday for the first time since breaking the thumb on his throwing hand. Freeman suffered the injury on Aug. 21.
"He looked great being back with this football team. He went through a whole practice," coach Raheem Morris said.
"We look forward to him progressing and getting better and better, and getting back to what he was doing before he went out."
Buccaneers Let Clayton Go
The Buccaneers cut wide receiver Michael Clayton on Saturday.
Clayton was guaranteed a base salary of $3 million this season after signing a five-year, $26 million contract last year.
He had 16 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown last season for Tampa Bay.