New England Patriots rookie linebacker in Michael Pinckney has recently been suspended by the league for six games due to consumption of a banned substance while rehabbing from surgery, as per NESN's Doug Kyed.

The 22-year-old previously starred for three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes in the collegiate ranks before going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft after suffering a season-ending hip injury. Pinckney saw a new lease on his career after he was signed by the Patriots to their practice squad on Oct. 2.

He has yet to log a single snap in the NFL as he never got to be named to the team's 53-man roster in the regular season. The recent suspension serves as another debacle for the Patriots who have already seen their fair share of struggles this season.

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The Foxborough squad has been hit with free agency departures, player opt-outs due to the coronavirus pandemic, along with a major transition to a new quarterback under center. There have also been some issues between head coach Bill Belichick and cornerback Stephon Gilmore who was previously linked to numerous speculations prior to the trade deadline.

Heading into Week 12 proceedings, the Patriots currently find themselves settling with a 4-6 record to nab third place in the AFC East. Their continuous struggles could already put an end to their 11-year long reign as divisional champions.

Despite the recent hurdle, the team will still continue to aim to finish their season strong and hope for a last-gasp attempt to steal a seat in the 2020 NFL playoffs.