Ravens’ Haloti Ngata suspended 4 games for performance-enhancing drugs

Ravens Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

“I made a mistake, and I own this,” Ngata said in a statement from the team Thursday announcing his suspension. “I took Adderall and take full responsibility for doing this. I am deeply sorry and broken up over this. I let down my family, my teammates, Ravens fans and myself. My hope is that the Ravens make the playoffs, and I believe they can do this. And, then I can come back and help us win.”

Ngata, 30, had 31 tackles with two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions through 12 games for the Ravens, who must now continue their playoff push without the five-time Pro Bowler.

“This is disappointing news for the Ravens,” General Manager Ozzie Newsome said. “We are disappointed with Haloti, but no more than he is with himself.”

The Ravens are among three AFC North teams with a record of 7-5 with games left at Miami, against Jacksonville, at Houston and against Cleveland.

Ngata will be eligible to return for the postseason if Baltimore can manage to win the division or grab a wild-card berth. A feat made even more difficult with the loss of Ngata.

Rookie Timmy Jernigan, a second-round pick out of Florida State, will likely start in Ngata’s place. Jernigan has appeared in eight games, recording 12 tackles and two sacks.

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme