However, six other players were suspended four games each Tuesday for violating the NFL's steroids and related-substances policy, including three players from the New Orleans Saints , the Falcons' opponent on Sunday.

Aiello said the league would decide Jackson's appeal "as soon as possible."

The Falcons are 8-4 and in the thick of the NFC playoff race.

With four games left in the season, Jackson could be in danger of missing a round of the playoffs if his case is not decided before Sunday's game.

"Suspensions are served when they are decided and would include playoff games if applicable," Aiello said.

The league would not reveal what information was requested from Jackson's representatives.

The league considers that information to be "confidential."

From the outset, Jackson's agent, Angelo Wright, has sought to distinguish Jackson's case from the other players involved.

"As I've said all along, Grady Jackson will keep playing. He was taking medication to assist him in his overall general health," said Wright, Jackson's longtime agent, of Hayward, Calif.

The Saints players --- defensive end Charles Grant, running back Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith --- were suspended along with Minnesota defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams and Houston long snapper Bryan Pittman. All six were suspended without pay.

The Saints (6-6) should not be at a distinct disadvantage for Sunday's important NFC South game against the Falcons.

Grant, a former University of Georgia standout, already is on injured reserve, and McAllister basically is a short-yardage back after two bad knee injuries. Smith, however, is one of the Saints' top tacklers and has three sacks this season.

The Falcons play Minnesota on Dec. 21. In the game against the Vikings last season, the Williamses practically shut down the Falcons' running game and frequently pressured quarterback Joey Harrington.

Wright, who also represents Pat Williams, plans to file for an injunction in federal court today in an attempt to block the league's enforcement of the suspensions.

The Williamses are so important to the Vikings that team owner Zigi Wilf attended their appeal hearing.

The league contends that the players violated the policy relating to diuretics, which serve as masking agents for steroids.

Some of the players were scheduled for weigh-ins and were attempting to make weight to earn money covered by incentive clauses in their contracts, according to attorney David Cornwell, who represents the three Saints.

Jackson does not have a weight clause in his contract.

Jackson is suing the manufacturer of dietary supplement, alleging that while the supplement is advertised as a natural diet pill, it contained a diuretic banned by the NFL.

The six suspended players are eligible to return to the active roster Dec. 29 and could play if their teams qualify for the playoffs.