Alexander was reinstated Monday following a 10-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The Panthers have been granted a seven-day roster exemption for Alexander, meaning he doesn't currently count toward the 53-man roster. He has 37 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries in his first two seasons, and if he has kept in shape during the suspension, the Panthers could certainly use help along the defensive line.

Alexander has been suspended for 10 games for a second violation of the league's substance abuse policy, the Charlotte Observer reports. Alexander was just reinstated on Monday after serving a four-game suspension for violating the same league policy, but will already be cast away from the team just two days later. The defensive end was supposed to add a boost to a Panthers' front-seven that has surprisingly struggled recently; however, Carolina will now move on without Alexander once again. The troubled Alexander will be eligible to return after Week 15.

Alexander will return to practice Wednesday after now completing his four-game suspension. Alexander was suspended back in May for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Despite being forced to miss the first four games of this season, Alexander reportedly turned in one of the Panthers' most impressive training camp performances leading up to this season. With Carolina's defense struggling over the past two weeks, Alexander's presence could provide a needed boost on the Panthers' defensive line, especially as Greg Hardy remains away from the team.

NFL suspended Panthers DE Frank Alexander four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. It's a blow to Carolina's up-front depth, as Alexander is a useful reserve behind starters Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. The 24-year-old plays a lot of snaps at left defensive end when Johnson kicks inside to tackle in sub-packages. Alexander finished 2013 with 15 tackles and a sack. His absence gives more opportunity to Mario Addison, Wes Horton, and CFL signee Alex Hall.

Panthers agreed to terms with No. 103 overall pick DE Frank Alexander on a four-year contract. Coach Ron Rivera was excited to trade up for Alexander, who posted 8.5 sacks with Oklahoma last season. The Panthers envision Alexander pushing Greg Hardy for snaps in a rotation at left end.

Panthers' fourth-round pick DE Frank Alexander wasn't allowed to work out at the Combine after being misdiagnosed with a heart condition. Alexander was quickly cleared, however, and ran a 4.76 40 at Oklahoma's Pro Day. Alexander's misdiagnosis could have been part of the reason he fell to No. 103 after putting up big senior year numbers, but he's also viewed as little more than a situational pass rusher. That will be his role as a rookie for a Panthers team that tied for just 25th in the league with 31 sacks last season.