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The New York Giants will be without their placekicker to start the 2016 season.
Giants kicker Josh Brown was suspended without pay for 1st game of season for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) August 17, 2016
While he is "just" a kicker, having to open the season against the division rival Dallas Cowboys without their reliable kicker could put the Giants at a significant disadvantage.
"While I do not agree with the suspension, I will accept it." Brown said in a statement released by the team, "I have exhausted the appeals process and have no other options along those lines. I will continue to work hard for this team, and I have tremendous confidence in my teammates and in my ability to move on and contribute to the team."
Head coach Ben McAdoo added in his own statement, "We have been supportive of Josh and will continue to be, but we accept the league's decision."
Though he will be available to return to the team on Sept. 12, immediately after the Giants' season opener, the suspension could certainly pose a problem. Brown was a special teams weapon in 2015, hitting 30 of 32 field goal attempts and being consistently reliable for extra points.
Though the offense could commit to eschewing the field goal, instead adopting a "touchdown or bust" policy, only attempt two-point conversions, and have Odell Beckham Jr. handle kickoffs, the team is much more likely to keep Tom Obarski on the roster until Brown can return.
UPDATE 9:21 P.M.: NJ Advance Media reports that Brown's suspension stems from a May 22, 2015 arrest on a fourth-degree domestic violence charge.