Karlos Williams has more time off to get back in shape.
The Buffalo Bills running back was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse, the team announced Friday.
Williams will be eligible to return to the Bills' active roster following the team's October 2 game against the New England Patriots. The running back can participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games.
"As an organization, we are disappointed that Karlos has put himself in this situation," the Bills said in a statement. "Poor decisions such as this affect not only the individual, but the entire Bills organization. We will continue to work with Karlos through the various player programs we provide to assist him in making better decisions moving forward."
Williams made news last month when he attributed being overweight at minicamp to his wife's pregnancy. There was concern Williams would not be in shape enough to participate in training camp.
The Bills hoped Williams would reprise his role as a smash-mouth accompaniment to LeSean McCoy. As a rookie, Williams earned 517 yards on just 93 carries (5.6 yard per tote average) and seven rushing touchdowns. Among all players with 90-plus carries last season, Williams had the second-highest yards per rush in the NFL in 2015. Buffalo will have to wait at least four weeks to see if he can duplicate that production.
It's been a troubling offseason for the Bills' backfield. McCoy found out this week he won't be disciplined by the NFL after an investigation following a fight at a club. Rookie running back Jonathan Williamswas arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on Thursday. Today, Buffalo loses Karlos Williams for four games.
