The defensive tackle Marcell Dareus was handed the suspension for violation of the league’s Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Buffalo Bills Insider Chris Brown provides the details. Here is his report:
Marcell Dareus won’t be on the field for Buffalo for the first quarter of the season. He’s been suspended by the NFL for violation of the league’s Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
After receiving news of the suspension the team issued the following statement late Tuesday afternoon.
We are very disappointed Marcell chose to put himself first, before his teammates, coaches and the rest of the organization through his recent actions. From ownership down we have made it clear his behavior is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps to work with him in order that he adheres to the policies set forth by our league. As an organization, we will move forward with our preparations for the start of the 2016 NFL season in Baltimore on September 11.
The suspension leaves Buffalo without one of their top defensive players for the first month of the season when the Bills will face Baltimore, the New York Jets, Arizona and New England.
Dareus will be eligible to return to the Bills’ active roster on Monday, October 3 following the team’s October 2 game against the Patriots. He is also eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.
The Bills defensive tackle was previously suspended for the first game of the 2015 season after he was arrested in May of that year for possession of a controlled substance.