Meeting with the media for the first time since the NFL suspended him for violating its Substance Abuse Policy, Green Bay Packers third-year linebacker Torrance Marshall made a public apology Tuesday.

"I want to apologize to the coaching staff, my teammates and this organization and the supporters and the fans for the situation I'm in," Marshall said. "I assure you, I am making progress in that situation."

Although he is able to participate in training camp and preseason games, Marshall will be suspended without pay for the Packers' first four regular-season games. He will be eligible to return to the Packers' active roster September 30.

Although a regular on special teams, Marshall has played sparingly at linebacker over his first two seasons.

His suspension comes after two offseason mini-camps in which GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Marshall showed signs of progress at linebacker.

"He appeared to be more instinctive, more knowledgeable of the position," Sherman said Saturday. "(He) just played the position better than I've seen him play."

Marshall said that he is determined to keep that positive momentum going.

"I'll go out of my way to make sure that I'm taking care of business to stay mentally and physically ready," Marshall said, "so when I come back, I can contribute right away."