NASHVILLE, Tenn. --Tennessee running back Chris Henry dropped his appeal Wednesday and started serving his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
His agent, Josh Luchs, confirmed that Henry dropped his appeal, which was scheduled to be heard Monday. The move would allow the rookie to return for the Titans' final two regular season games.
Henry was not at practice Wednesday and cannot practice with the team during the four weeks.
"We hope he learns from the mistake, that we can use this as a positive example of how important the rules are and that how critical it is that players be very, very careful to what they put in their bodies," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. "We're going to miss Chris."
Henry was notified before the Titans' 20-7 win over Carolina on Nov. 4 that he tested positive for a substance added to the league's banned list within the past year. He appealed the suspension and played in losses to Jacksonville and at Denver.
Fellow running back Chris Brown returned and played at Denver after missing four games with a high left ankle sprain.
Henry is fourth on the team in rushing with 22 carries for 104 yards. He has been used on kickoff returns the past three games, averaging 21.9 yards.
The Titans now have two open roster spots. Fisher said they were looking Wednesday afternoon to pick up a kick returner.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
