National Football League roundup

The NFL made the announcement Tuesday, and the suspension begins immediately for Jackson, who is eligible to return to the active roster on Jan. 2 should the Colts qualify for the playoffs.

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Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Pennel agreed to a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, the league announced.

Pennel was facing a 10-game ban for a second offense but filed a lawsuit in an Ohio federal court last week, claiming that the NFL and the NFL Players Association didn't follow the rules listed in the collective bargaining agreement during the appeals process.

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick will start Sunday's game against the New York Jets, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins announced.

Kaepernick struggled mightily in Sunday's 26-6 loss to the Chicago Bears before getting benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert in the fourth quarter.

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The Detroit Lions signed running back Joique Bell and cornerback Asa Jackson to the team's active roster.

Defensive end Armonty Bryant and cornerback Quandre Diggs were placed on injured reserve while tight end Brandon Pettigrew was shuffled from the physically unable to perform list to the reserve/non-football injury list.