SEATTLE -- Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dee Eskridge has been suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season after violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday.
In a statement sent to ESPN, Eskridge's attorney said the wide receiver was arrested and charged in February following an encounter with the mother of his child.
Per an agreement Eskridge entered into, the misdemeanor charges against him will be dismissed in 12 months upon completion of domestic violence moral reconation therapy, the statement said.
Eskridge, whose full first name is D'Wayne, "took responsibility for his role in the incident," according to the statement, and has begun therapy.
"D'Wayne deeply regrets any embarrassment this incident has caused his family, the Seahawks, and the NFL," the statement concluded.
Eskridge projects as the Seahawks' fourth receiver, behind Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and has also been competing for a role in the return game.
He will be allowed to be placed back on the team's active roster on Monday, Oct. 23, following Seattle's Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals. In the meantime, he's eligible to participate in all training camp practices and preseason games.
Coach Pete Carroll said after the Seahawks' scrimmage Friday night that the team was aware a suspension could be coming. He noted that league rules prohibit the team from commenting on any specifics of the matter.
"His issue has been dealt with by the league," Carroll said. "He's had a very good camp for us. He's been working really hard. He's been really determined. You could see him tonight ... he's explosive and makes plays. ... But he's going to miss the time."
Eskridge caught three passes for 40 yards and had a long kickoff return Friday night.
"We have to be real about it -- that he's not going to be available -- so we have to let the other guys have their chances and show where they fit in, and then we'll deal with Eskridge when he gets back," Carroll said. "But in the meantime, it's an opportunity for other guys ... he's been very effective and he would be one of the guys that you would think would have a great chance of making the club going into the first game. So there is opportunities for other guys and they're battling for it."
A second-round pick in 2021, Eskridge has been limited to 20 games and 17 catches over two seasons because of various injuries, including a severe concussion he suffered in his NFL debut.