Ryan Anderson, an outside linebacker unlikely to make the Giants’ final roster, was suspended for six games for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Performance Enhancing Substances, the league announced Saturday. 

Anderson will not count on the roster and also will not be paid during his suspension, so in an odd way, this could help him stick around with the Giants, if they have any interest in him. Anderson will be allowed to play in Sunday’s preseason finale against the Patriots at MetLife Stadium. 

The Giants signed Anderson, 24, to a one-year contract worth $1.1 million. He spent his first four NFL seasons with Washington and played in 52 games, with six career sacks. He started training camp this summer on the non-football injury list with a back issue, was cut in early August and then re-signed. He did little to stamp himself as a player destined to make the final round of cuts. All teams must be at the 53-player limit by 4 p.m. Tuesday.