Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson, who was suspended for the first six games of the season by the NFL for violating the league’s performance enhancement drug policy on Thursday, will miss the game against the Falcons, which is set for 4:05 p.m. Oct. 13 in Glendale, Ariz.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported to suspension as eight games and then clarified that it was six games.
The matchup between Peterson and Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is always a topic before the two teams play. Peterson asked to guard Jones back in 2014.
Jones and Peterson had faced each other once in the NFL before that meeting. Jones had three catches for 33 yards on seven targets during a 23-19 Falcons victory in 2012.
Jones, who was out with a foot injury, didn’t play in the Falcons’ 27-13 loss at Arizona in 2013.
In the rematch, Jones schooled Peterson as he caught 10 of 12 targets for 189 yards and one touchdown. The Falcons, who went 6-10 that season, beat the Cardinals, 29-18, on Nov. 30, 2014.
On Nov. 27, 2016, Peterson had help and held Jones to four catches for 35 yards as the Falcons won 38-19.
Last season, in a 40-17 rout by the Falcons, Peterson had help, but Jones still managed six catches for 82 yards and one touchdown.
Peterson, 28, is an eight-time Pro Bowl corner, has started all 16 regular-season games each year he's been in the league.
Peterson has 387 career tackles to go along with 23 intercepted passes.
Jones, 30, is a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
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