NFL: Baltimore Ravens' Haloti Ngata banned for four games for violating substance abuse policy

The Baltimore Ravens’ playoff hopes have been dealt a huge blow with the news star defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been suspended by the NFL for four games.

The five-time Pro Bowler was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and will now miss the Ravens’ four remaining regular season games.

With his suspension beginning immediately, Ngata will not be eligible to return until after the team's final regular-season game against the Cleveland Browns on December 29.

Ngata acknowledged he had made a huge mistake in a statement released by the Ravens but is holding out hope the teams can qualify for the playoffs without him and allow him to return this season.

"I made a mistake, and I own this," Ngata said. “I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my team-mates, Ravens fans and myself.

“My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win."

The loss of the anchor of their defence is a huge blow to the 7-5 Ravens’ hopes of making this year’s playoffs.

They travel to Miami this weekend to face the Dolphins, who are also 7-5, in a game with big playoff implications.

In his ninth season, Ngata was having one of the better years of his career. He had two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and seven batted passes.

The Ravens will likely turn to rookie second-round pick Timmy Jernigan to replace Ngata.