PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Bills starting defensive tackle Marcell Dareus won’t be ready for the opening of training camp in his latest offseason setback.
The Bills announced Dareus was placed on the active/non-football injury list Saturday, a day before the team holds its first practice in suburban Rochester.
The Bills didn’t say why he was placed on the list. Coach Doug Marrone won’t be available for comment until Sunday.
The 2011 first-round draft pick has already had a difficult offseason, dealing with two off-field legal matters.
In early May, Dareus was arrested in his native Alabama and charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Four weeks later, he was allegedly racing teammate Jerry Hughes when he crashed his 2012 Jaguar into a tree near a busy intersection not far from Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Dareus was charged with reckless endangerment and ticketed for several traffic violations, including drag-racing.
The NFL could potentially discipline Dareus for his off-field troubles with a fine or suspension.
After the crash, Dareus consulted with Marrone and decided to take two weeks off from voluntary practices. He returned for the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp in mid-June but did not speak to reporters.
He was last seen in Buffalo on July 1, when he made a brief appearance in court on his reckless driving charge.
Dareus has been a three-year starter in Buffalo since he was drafted with the third pick out of Alabama. He’s coming off a career season in which he was credited with 71 tackles and 7 1/2 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl appearance as an injury replacement.
In other moves, the Bills also placed guard J.J. ‘Unga on the active/non-football injury list.
Starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin was cleared for practice. Coming off hip surgery, McKelvin was added to the roster after being activated from the active/physically unable to perform list.
The Bills also signed receiver Tori Gurley and defensive back Kamaal McIlwain.
The 6-foot-4 Gurley had one catch in three games with the Cleveland Browns last season. He has spent time with several teams since breaking into the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted free agent with Green Bay.
McIlwain has yet to play in an NFL game since breaking into the league in 2011. He was cut by Kansas City before the start of last season.
Both players participated on a tryout basis in Buffalo’s mandatory minicamp last month.
They fill the roster spots left open after the Bills released receiver Cordell Roberson and defensive back Darius Robinson on Friday.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
