Marcell Dareus leaves Bills to enter rehab facility

• Marcell Dareus will miss the first four games of the season.

ORCHARD PARK – As if the somewhat surprising news of Karlos Williams’ release from the team wasn’t enough Saturday afternoon, Marcell Dareus announced barely an hour later that he was leaving the Bills to enter a rehabilitation facility.

“After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility,” Dareus said via a statement released by the Bills. “I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career. I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process.”

The organization said of this decision, “We are fully supportive of Marcell and this decision to take the time he needs to seek treatment.”

The Dareus news came after the Bills announced they are releasing Williams, the second-year running back who, like Dareus, is facing a four-game suspension at the start of this season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Williams missed all of the Bills’ offseason program because he was out of shape, reportedly weighing in at 261 pounds at one point. He just passed his physical Monday and was on the field this week at St. John Fisher College, but the Bills apparently felt the work he has put in was not enough and they are moving on.

BREAKING: Bills release RB Karlos Williams

Bills disappointed, frustrated by Dareus' actions

Dareus, of course, was suspended one game in 2015 for violating the substance abuse program, then missed a test recently and that triggered a four-game suspension. Clearly, Dareus has some off-field problems, and it seems that given the fact he can’t play the first four regular-season games, the timing of his choice to enter rehab is a good one.

MAIORANA@Gannett.com