It looks like the long wait for Marcell Dareus to hit the field is finally over. The defensive tackle said he’s playing on Sunday against the Patriots.
Buffalo Bills Inisder Chris Brown provides the details. Here is his report:
He was just a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice as he returns from a hamstring injury. But Marcell Dareus left no doubt of his playing status for Sunday’s division game against New England.
“I’m playing Sunday man. I can’t wait,” Dareus said following Wednesday’s practice. “I’m ready to enjoy myself. I’m just happy to get out there with the guys running around, feeling good. I’m ready to go pull it off man, make it happen.”
Dareus was expected back in Week 5 after serving a league-imposed four game suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. But the defensive tackle pulled him hamstring in practice the Friday before Buffalo’s road game at Los Angeles. He’s yet to dress for a game, but that’s apparently going to change here in Week 8.
Dareus worked diligently the past three weeks with the athletic training staff and the strength and conditioning staff to rehabilitate his hamstring.
“I did whatever the team needed me to do,” he said. “Whatever our trainers requested of me, whatever our strength coaches felt was best, I stuck to a strict plan. Hopefully this time it works because I can’t have any more minor setbacks. I’m ready to play man. Sitting on the bench isn’t fun.”
That was particularly true last Sunday when Dareus watched his fellow teammates on defense surrender the most rushing yards in three seasons to Jay Ajayi and the Dolphins in a disappointing Week 7 loss.
“It’s pretty hard sitting there not being able to help,” Dareus said. “It was a point where being the biggest cheerleader didn’t matter. I really want to just be out there because I want to help more than keep the guys up. It was a tough game.”
The disruptive defensive tackle has been welcomed back with open arms with a defensive line that was a bit shorthanded in practice Wednesday. Fellow DT Corbin Bryant sat out practice with a shoulder injury. DE Adolphus Washington was sent home with an illness.
“Yeah we need him,” said Lorenzo Alexander. “He’s obviously going to help our depth. Getting Shaq (Lawson) back last week, he’s got a game under his belt. Now getting ‘Cell back is going to be huge for us. Just more bodies to throw at their offensive line and continue to try to bother Brady as much as possible when he’s in that pocket.”
Facing Tom Brady in a pivotal division game will only add to the importance of Dareus’ return. He said it’s hard not to call Brady the best quarterback ever.
“It looks like he plays the same every year,” said Dareus of Brady. “He’s a pretty good player. I love playing against him. He’s the type of competitor that I feel like I am. I just like to go out there and show him what I have. Just can’t wait to see the guy. It’s good to see him across the field trying to get away from me.”
Dareus figures to line up right in the middle of Buffalo’s defensive front. Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman gave indication that Dareus might not see a full workload his first game back, but it’s probably safe to assume he’ll see at least half a game’s worth of work.
“I’m just excited to be back,” Dareus said. “Just me being back in general just really fills me with joy. Like everyone else on the team, they’re happy for me to be back. I’m just happy to be able to contribute. I was on the injury list, but I’m not worried about it now. I just want to do what I have to do.”