Receiver Josh Gordon was suspended without pay for the first two games next season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, the second year in a row that the Cleveland Browns will be missing a key player because of a drug-related punishment.

Gordon also was fined two additional game checks on Friday. He’ll miss games against the Dolphins and defending Super Bowl-champion Ravens, and is eligible to return for a game against the Vikings.

Gordon said in a statement that he used cough medicine containing codeine — a banned substance — while recovering from strep throat in February. The league could have given him a four-game ban.

“The policy terms are strict about unintentional ingestion, but the NFL has not imposed the maximum punishment in light of the facts of my case,” Gordon said. “Therefore, I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation. I sincerely apologize for the impact on my team, coaches, and Browns fans.”

It’s the second year in a row that the Browns have a key player suspended early in the season. Cornerback Joe Haden was suspended four games last season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Haden acknowledged taking the stimulant Adderall.