Report: Bengals' Benson faces three game suspension

CINCINNATI - A day after news broke that Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson was under investigation for allegedly having 2.5 pounds of marijuana shipped to his home, now comes a report that running back Cedric Benson is facing a suspension from the NFL.

Mike Silver of Yahoo! Sports reported Thursday afternoon that Benson, 28, was informed that he will be suspended three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy during the lockout. Benson was arrested earlier this summer for allegedly assaulting a former roommate in Texas.

Adam Schefter of ESPN is also reporting the potential suspension.

According to Silver, Benson will have an appeal hearing on Tuesday and will be available to play this Sunday in the Bengals home opener against the San Francisco 49ers. However, Benson would miss games against the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts if his appeal is not successful.

Benson pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor assault charges and was sentenced to 20 days in jail. He earned time off his sentence by mopping floors and helping paint crews and was released after five days in time for the season opener in Cleveland.

Many people believed Benson had resolved the issue and would not face any disciplinary action from the NFL since his arrest occurred during a time in which there was no collective bargaining agreement. However, his previous run-ins with the law may be a factor. The NFL has not commented on the matter.

The former number four overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Chicago Bears has been the Bengals' leading rusher each of the last three seasons, going over 1,000 yards in 2009 and 2010. He's rushed for 180 yards and one touchdown through two games in 2011.

The Bengals could not be reached for comment.