NFL suspends Rams WR Drake Stoops two games for violating performance-enhancing drug policy

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Drake Stoops has been suspended for the first two games of the 2025 NFL season, the league announced. The suspension is due to a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug (PED) policy.

Stoops did not appear in a game last season for the Rams as a rookie, spending most of his time on the practice squad. The franchise signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma last season.

The son of legendary OU coach Bob Stoops, Drake Stoops played six years in Norman before heading to the NFL, and Bob Stoops’ Arlington Renegades also selected him in the 2025 XFL Draft. His biggest college season was his last when he recorded 962 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 before taking his talents to the next level.

#Rams WR Drake Stoops is suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2025 regular season for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy, the league announced today.

He is permitted to participate in training camp and preseason games without restriction.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2025

After his rookie season, Stoops signed a reserve/futures deal with the Rams in January, putting him in line to return next season. However, he will now miss the first two games as a result of the suspension, although he will be able to participate in training camp and preseason games.

Rams staying busy as free agency begins

The Rams have been active this week building the roster for the 2025 season. Free agents could start negotiating contracts with teams on Monday ahead of the start of the new league year on Wednesday, and Los Angeles is in the midst of a busy week.

The biggest splash came before the legal tampering period began when the Rams signed recently released wide receiver Davante Adams. He agreed to a two-year contract after splitting time with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, and he will effectively replace Cooper Kupp, who will part ways with the Rams at some point this offseason. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Kupp will either be traded or released.

Los Angeles also re-signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who will continue to serve as the backup to Matthew Stafford – who also inked a new deal. The Rams gave Stafford’s agents permission to speak with other teams about potential extensions if a trade materialized, but he ultimately chose to return and keep building under Sean McVay.

This past season, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns as the Rams rattled off a run to the postseason. It was another strong follow-up for the former No. 1 overall pick after he made his second career Pro Bowl in 2023.