By Bill Bradley, contributing editor
Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather was suspended two games without pay Monday for repeated violations of the NFL's safety rules, including two helmet-to-helmet hits on Chicago Bears players during Sunday's game, the league announced.
The suspension can be appealed within three days. It can be heard and decided by one of two independent arbiters -- former player Matt Birk or former coach Ted Cottrell -- and a final ruling can be expected before Sunday's game at the Denver Broncos.
Until then, Meriweather will be barred from practicing with the Redskins. If upheld, the suspension, which was imposed by NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks, also would keep Meriweather from playing Nov. 3 against the San Diego Chargers.
Meriweather was penalized twice Sunday for unnecessary roughness, sidelining Bears wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery with head injuries.
After Sunday's game, Marshall said Meriweather should be suspended for his violent play.
The Miami, Fla., product was fined $42,000 after Week 2 for violating the NFL's "crown-of-the-helmet rule" for a hit on Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy. His helmet hits also have knocked teammate Brian Orakpo and himself out of games this season.
