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Bills announce Marcell Dareus to enter rehab facility

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus is seeking help.

In a statement issued by the team Saturday, the 26-year-old said he will enter a rehab facility.

"After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility," Dareus said. "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."

Dareus was recently suspended four games for another violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Dareus issued an apology to his Instagram account shortly before the Bills announced the suspension. He told reporters Wednesday the ban was the result of a missed drug test.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the suspension stems from "either failed or missed drug tests involving his use of marijuana."

"We are fully supportive of Marcell and this decision to take the time he needs to seek treatment," the Bills said in a statement. Later, Bills general manager Doug Whaley added in a statement, "Marcell is family and we are fully supporting him in this stage of his life."

Following the Bills' preseason win over the Giants, coach Rex Ryan added that Dareus made the decision Saturday.

"As a football team, as a family, we came together and we support Marcell Dareus 100 percent," Ryan said. "I'm excited about the young man trying to change his life."

Last year, the Bills gave Dareus a seven-year, $103.2 million deal with $60 million guaranteed to be a building block along the defensive line.

After a disappointing 2015 season, the Bills hoped Dareus could bounce back in his second season under Rex Ryan.

First, the young defensive lineman has to get his life in order. Hopefully rehab will help in that endeavor.

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