The Facts: Rhodes was suspended Tuesday for the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. His suspension will begin Aug. 31, the day after Oakland's final exhibition game, and he will be eligible to return Oct. 1, following the fourth game of the season against Miami. Rhodes will also miss games against Detroit, Denver and Cleveland.

Diehards Line:Rhodes, who signed with Oakland as a free agent this offseason, is expected to split time with LaMont Jordan as the Raiders try to improve a running game that averaged 3.9 yards per carry in 2006. Rhodes' suspension could give Jordan a chance to re-establish his status as the team's feature back -- although the former Jet did little to prove capable of holding down such a role last year.