ASHBURN, VA — Fred Davis and Trent Williams are expected to be suspended for the rest of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

The Redskins are 4-8, but at least this season had been mostly free from off-field troubles. The suspensions hurt coach Mike Shanahan’s plan to build a team with a reputation for high-character players.

Alexander says the suspensions are disappointing because “everybody’s aware of the rules and how the NFL carries out the drug policy.”