News in the NFL has been as about as slow as it gets. After all, they don’t call May and June the league’s “dead period” for nothing. It’s so dead, in fact, that we’re glued to our computers about NBA free agency. Some news broke out on Thursday afternoon, though, as the league has handed down some bans to some big-name players.

The two biggest? San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and New York Jets defensive lineman, Sheldon Richardson. Gates was served a four-game ban for violating the league’s PED policy, while Richardson received his suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

These are massive bans and could negatively impact both the Jets and Chargers as they try to win games and make the playoffs in 2015. The suspensions also hit both teams hard in their area of strength, as Gates helps San Diego’s offense run seamlessly and Richardson is a huge component of a very tough New York defense. Both players are sure to appeal their suspensions, but are unlikely to have their time away from the field cut short.

While this is a big blow for both teams, the Jets and Bolts both luckily have quality talent in place to make up for the four-game absences. Gates crushed it in 2014 at age 34, somehow coming out of nowhere for 13 touchdowns. LaDarius Green was supposed to be a huge breakout player, but Gates’ killer season kept that from happening. For the first four weeks of the 2015 NFL season, however, Green will be relied on heavily and could even thrive.

The same story could happen for Gang Green, as rookie stud Leonard Williams fell into their lap in last April’s draft and he could serve as a perfect replacement for the suspended Richardson. Losing Richardson for any amount of time is in no way ideal, but if one Jets defender had to miss time, he’s the one. The Jets could still see a dip defensively, but the presence of Williams should make it less of an issue.

As good as the depth is behind these two players, the Jets and Chargers are clearly going to take a hit in the NFL betting world for the first four weeks. Neither team is a lock for the playoffs as they stand (both failed to reach post-season play in 2014), so they could lose a little steam when it comes to those first four games of the year.

Gates and Richardson take the cake with NFL game bans, but they’re not the only ones. Datone Jones is trying to prove his worth with the Green Bay Packers, but will have to do so without playing in week one this year, while Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain will also miss time with a four-game ban.