ALLEN PARK — Ndamukong Suh has been suspended for one game per a report from ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Suh stepped twice on the left leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers late in Sunday’s 30-20 loss to the Packers. The first step with Suh’s right foot appeared accidental. Then the next step with his left foot appeared to be purposeful.


"You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground," NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks said in a letter to Suh. "This illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided.

"You unnecessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself."

Suh can appeal the fine on Tuesday in an expedited process with an answer by Wednesday.

VIDEO OF SUH STEPPING ON RODGERS

This likely means the Lions will be playing without Suh and Nick Fairley in Sunday’s playoff game against the Cowboys at Dallas. 

Earlier Monday, coach Jim Caldwell said it’d be a miracle if Fairley could play Sunday. Fairley has been out with a knee injury since Oct. 26.

Look for C.J. Mosley, who has started eight games for Fairley, to start along with Andre Fluellen or Jason Jones.

Suh’s history of discipline issues no doubt played into the decision to suspend him.

In 2011 he was suspended for two games for stomping on Green Bay’s Evan Dietrich-Smith.

Last year he was fined $100,000 for an illegal low block on Vikings’ center John Sullivan. He has a long history of fines dating back to his rookie season in 2010.

Suh will be a free agent in March. This suspension could certainly be costly. It will likely be taken into consideration by teams who are interested. If he's paid big money, teams will want him to be available on Sundays.

Caldwell said he talked with Ndamukong Suh about stepping on Rodgers, but wouldn’t reveal the content of the conversation.

“I did have a chance to look at it, we looked at it closely. I had a chance to visit with (Suh) and all those kinds of things which you would anticipate and expect,’’ Caldwell said. 

Suh did not talk to the media following the game.

Caldwell wouldn’t share his thoughts on the matter prior to the announcement of the suspension.

PHOTOS FROM LOSS TO PACKERS

The previous week Caldwell had talked to Dominic Raiola about stepping on Chicago’s Ego Ferguson. Caldwell said he believed Raiola that it was inadvertent but could see both sides. Raiola was suspended for Sunday’s game. 

“There’s an old adage that you prepare for the worst and hope for the best,’’ Caldwell said Monday. “I think you always have to do that in our business.’’

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