Marcell Dareus Suspended for Substance Abuse: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Buffalo Bills star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus will miss the team's regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts after being suspended for a violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Pro Football Talk tweeted the news of Dareus' suspension:

The Buffalo Bills' public relations Twitter account released an official statement from Dareus:

Last year, Dareus was arrested in Alabama on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and he agreed to enter a substance-abuse program in an attempt to get the charges dismissed, his lawyer told the Associated Press (h/t NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal).

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Per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Dareus will be allowed to take part in Buffalo's offseason activities and preseason games before serving his suspension in Week 1. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also noted that the Bills are still interested in signing Dareus to an extension.

Bleacher Report's Chris Simms provided his take on Dareus' situation:

The 25-year-old anchored Buffalo's defensive resurgence last year. He made the All-Pro first team in 2014 after recording 49 combined tackles and 10 sacks as the Bills finished over .500 for the first time since 2004.

Losing Dareus for the first game will limit what the Bills can do on defense, especially with Andrew Luck's ability to throw from the pocket and scramble. Fortunately, head coach Rex Ryan's defensive front has plenty of depth with Jerry Hughes and Mario Williams to create pressure against a high-powered Colts offense.