Aaron Lynch banned 4 games for violating substance-abuse policy

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch has been suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season for violating the NFL's policy for substances of abuse.

The league announced the suspension Friday, saying that Lynch will be eligible to return one day after San Francisco's Week 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 2.

Lynch will still be eligible to participate in all of the 49ers' offseason programs and preseason games.

"While disappointed to hear the news regarding Aaron today, we support and respect the league's decision," Niners general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. "We are confident that he will learn from this matter and that he understands what is expected of him moving forward."

Lynch, 23, recorded 38 tackles and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks last season, his second in the NFL. He'll be eligible to return to regular-season play in Week 5, when the Niners host the division rival Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.