Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) -- New York Jets back-up quarterback Erik Ainge was suspended for four games without pay because he violated the National Football League’s substance abuse policy, the league said in a news release.

The rookie’s suspension begins immediately. He will be eligible to rejoin the team on Dec. 15, after the Jets’ Dec. 14 game against the Buffalo Bills.

Ainge, 22, was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 draft out of the University of Tennessee. He was inactive for seven games this season, then moved to injured reserve with a foot injury before the Nov. 2 game against the Buffalo Bills.

To contact the reporter on this story: Curtis Eichelberger in Washington at ceichelberge@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: November 21, 2008 17:42 EST