Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Marcell Dareus is facing a four-game suspension for allegedly violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy for the second time in two years.
Bills DT Marcel Dareus is facing a four-game suspension for another violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2016
Bills Defensive Tackle Marcell Dareus Facing Four-Game Ban
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the All-Pro defensive lineman tested positive for marijuana. Dareus has the ability to appeal the suspension. However, if it’s upheld he will miss games important divisional matchups against the New York Jets (week two) and New England Patriots (week four). Also, he will miss games against the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals.
Last offseason, the star defensive tackle was suspended for the home-opener against the Indianapolis Colts. He was in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia in May 2015. Dareus returned and chained the defensive line with 38 tackles and two sacks.
Dareus, 26, signed a six-year, $100 million extension to remain in Buffalo last season.
To add insult to injury, the Bills may also be without linebacker Manny Lawson, who is facing a one-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Last season, the 11-year veteran was reportedly involved in a domestic violence incident. Lawson also has the ability to appeal the punishment.
The suspension came a few hours after the 6-foot-5, 250-pound linebacker was cleared to rejoin the team from the non-football injury list. Before training camp, Lawson suffered a small tear in his pectoral during offseason workouts.
In 2015, Lawson started 14 games, accumulating 47 tackles, a sack, and an interception.
With suspensions and injuries, the Bills have been plagued with catastrophe this offseason. Along with Dareus and Lawson, 2015’s standout running back, Karlos Williams, was suspended four-games for a substance offense. In addition, the team will be without this year’s first round draft pick, Shaq Lawson, who suffered a shoulder injury in spring, as well as losing linebackers IK Enemkpali and Reggie Ragland to torn ACLs.
