Broncos kicker Matt Prater has been notified by the NFL he will be suspended through the first four games of the season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

The violation was alcohol-related. Prater has been in the league's alcohol program since soon after he was charged with driving under the influence Aug. 12, 2011.

The four-game suspension, which is expected to be announced Monday, was part of an agreement reached between Prater's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, and the league, so an appeal is not expected. The NFL had initially threatened a one-year suspension.

Prater should return to be one of the best fantasy kickers in the league, but he won't be available for the first month of the seasons. Owners who have already drafted him should clear a roster spot for another kicker. He's still draftable, but owners would need to draft another kicker to fill in while Prater serves his suspension. If he's still lingering on the waiver wire in Week 2 or Week 3, he will be worth a pickup.

Broncos K Matt Prater (illness, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 21.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right calf, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 6. Prater is good to go.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right calf) took full practice reps again Thursday. Prater injured his calf last week and still posted top 5 numbers in Week 5. Expect another big day against the Jaguars.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right calf) practiced fully Wednesday. Prater injured his calf last week and still posted top 5 numbers in Week 5. Expect another big day against the Jaguars.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right calf, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 5. Keep him in your lineups and consider the crisis averted.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right calf) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps. We'll see how Prater's calf responds on Friday. Owners should be ready to make a move if it looks like he might not kick. The Broncos play in the late round of games on Sunday.

The Broncos have signed kicker Matt Prater to a four-year contract, according to a tweet from team executive vice president John Elway Monday morning.

"Matt has developed into one of the NFL's elite kickers and is a big part of our team," Elway tweeted.

The Broncos' strong-legged kicker missed the team's entire offseason program in protest of his $2.654 million franchise tag, which was tendered in lieu of a long-term contract.

Prater is the most accurate kicker in NFL history for field goals of 50 yards or more, having hit 12 of 16.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right groin out) has been placed on season ending IR after suffering a setback in practice. Steven Hauschka will handle kicking duties for the final two games.

Broncos K Matt Prater (right groin out) has been placed on season ending IR after suffering a setback in practice. Steven Hauschka will handle kicking duties for the final two games.