It's only just July, and the Jets' season has already suffered a major blow. On Thursday, the NFL announced that defensive end Sheldon Richardson was suspended four games without pay for violating the league's substances of abuse policy. 

"I apologize for letting down my family, teammates, this organization and the fans," Richardson said in a statement. "However, words aren't enough. This is something that can only be addressed by how I handle myself from this point on. I don't want this to take away from what the team is trying to accomplish. While I won't be there at the start of the regular season, I will do whatever I can to support my teammates until I'm able to return to the field."

Richardson also apologized via Twitter.

Richardson will miss games against the Browns, Colts, Eagles, and Dolphins, but will be able to participate in offseason activities, including preseason games. Richardson will be eligible to return for the Jets' fifth game of the season, which will be played against Washington on October 18. 

"This is disappointing for Sheldon and the team," said Jets head coach Todd Bowles in a statement. "We're going to support Sheldon and welcome him back upon his return. We will keep moving forward with our preparations for the upcoming season."

Here are three things to know about Richardson's suspension and how it'll impact the Jets.

1) Who will step up?

The suspension will hurt the Jets' chances to get off to a fast start in 2015. Richardson, the 2013 Defensive Rookie Of The Year, racked up 11.5 sacks in his first two NFL seasons.

Yet, the Jets' defensive line is arguably the team's deepest position group and is built to absorb the loss. Remember, this is a team that drafted Leonard Williams in the first round, despite its already menacing defensive front. This is also a defense that features Muhammad Wilkerson and pass-rushing linebacker Quinton Coples. The Jets will lose something in Richardson's absence, but it should be able to compensate. 

Specifically, look for Williams to step up in place of Richardson. Williams was regarded by some as the best overall player in the 2015 NFL Draft and he should be able to hold his ground immediately. Williams has dominant power and could be a pass rushing threat from day one. 

If anything, Richardson's suspension might be the reason we're treated to a Week 1 coming out party for Williams, who could've been eased into the rotation if Richardson was available for the first four weeks of the season. Instead, Williams will be expected to contribute in a big way starting in the first game of the season.

And even if Williams struggles, new head coach Todd Bowles should be able to manufacture a pass rush. When Bowles was the Cardinals' defensive coordinator, he was known for his creativity and ability to compensate for less than stellar talent. 

2) Examining the first four games

As previously mentioned, the Jets will face the Browns, Colts, Eagles, and Dolphins without Richardson. Last season, those four teams compiled a combined 36-28 regular season record, with the Colts and Eagles each reaching double-digit win totals. 

Even with Richardson in the lineup, it'd be tough to see the Jets knocking off Andrew Luck and the Colts on the road and the Eagles at home. Getting pressure and disrupting Luck is vital to the Jets' chances and, now, they'll be without one of their best pass rushers. Furthermore, defensive line depth would've been important against the Eagles, who like to run teams ragged. I don't see the Jets winning those two games. 

I do, however, think it's likely they can knock off Cleveland, even without Richardson. The Jets will be at home and the Browns' Josh McCown-led offense shouldn't worry the Jets. 

The Miami game is interesting and is an important divisional matchup. And it's one that I don't see the Jets winning. It's a road game, the Dolphins were much better than the Jets in 2014, and they should improve in 2015 after adding Ndamukong Suh. With Richardson, the Jets had a better chance to get to Ryan Tannehill and force turnovers. Without him, it'll be a bit harder to rattle Tannehill. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Richardson had the second-best grade among all defensive ends in a 3-4 scheme last season. The Jets could be looking at a 1-3 start to the season. At best, I see them going .500, if they can disrupt Tannehill.

3) Added leverage for Wilkerson?

Muhammad Wilkerson wants a new deal in New York, but the Jets aren't willing to just hand him one.

Richardson's suspension could potentially give Wilkerson, who has averaged six sacks per season, some leverage over the team.

Richardson will miss the first four games of the season. (USATSI)