Yet another setback to the center position has befallen the Browns.

The team has been notified by the NFL office that Alonzo Ephraim will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the league substance-abuse policy, said two sources.

The violation occurred in 2005 while Ephraim was with Miami, said one of the sources, and carries over to the Browns. It would have to be Ephraim's second violation to merit a suspension, according to the league substance abuse policy.

"That explains why he was out there [available] in the middle of July," said the source.

Neither the Browns nor a league official would comment, citing the substance-abuse program's confidentiality clause.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league does not announce suspensions until the player has a chance to appeal. Until then, Ephraim will be able to practice and play in preseason games.

Curtis Stephens, Ephraim's agent listed with the players association, could not be reached for comment.

After practice on Tuesday, Ephraim said he had no comment about the situation.

"I'm just practicing and trying to get better," he said.

The Browns were not aware of Ephraim's pending suspension when they signed him on July 29 because of the haste to get him into camp and a communication snafu with the league office.

At the time, the team just learned that starter LeCharles Bentley would be lost for the season with a torn patellar tendon. The Browns needed a body to take repetitions at the position with the second and third teams.

Ephraim's role with the club expanded dramatically when Bob Hallen, Bentley's replacement, abruptly walked out on the Browns on Aug. 7. Ephraim ascended to the starter's role and made the start in the exhibition opener in Philadelphia on Aug. 10.

By then, the Browns had traded with New England for Ross Tucker, who is now the team's fourth No. 1 center. Ephraim's performance in Philadelphia was impressive enough for the Browns to keep him on hand for the duration of preseason, and possibly beyond.

Ephraim was not notified of the suspension until the team returned from Philadelphia, a source said.

The Browns had a similar situation a year ago when safety Michael Jameson was notified of a league suspension during training camp but stayed with the team. Jameson continued to work out with the club during his suspension in case a need arose for him. The Browns terminated Jameson's contract when his suspension was lifted.

Although Ephraim is listed No. 1 on the team's current depth chart, Tucker will start the second exhibition game Friday against Detroit.

Ephraim's pending suspension makes it imperative for the Browns to still acquire another center before the regular season begins Sept. 10. Thus, the Browns will open the season with two centers who were not with them when training camp began.

Rob Smith, an undrafted rookie center who was playing behind Ephraim, suffered a high ankle sprain in the Philadelphia game and is out indefinitely. The only other center on the roster is Mike Mabry, who was signed as a free agent on Aug. 6.