NEW YORK — The NFL has suspended six players for four games each for violating the league's anti-doping policy.

The players used a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent for steroids.

The suspended players are running back Deuce McAllister and defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith of New Orleans; defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams of Minnesota; and long snapper Bryan Pittman of Houston.

The punishment is an especially harsh blow to Minnesota, which leads the NFC North and relies heavily on the two Williamses to stop the run game.