Good News Surrounding Marcell Dareus, Shaq Lawson & More

Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan talks to defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills’ received good news on Monday regarding Marcell Dareus, Shaq Lawson and Justin Hunter. Here’s the latest.

When the Buffalo Bills and #BillsMafia learned of the four-game suspension handed to DT Marcell Dareus to begin this season, we were all devastated. There’s no doubt that he is one of the best nose tackles in football and not having him has definitely hurt.

Take it from Rex Ryan himself, who praised the defensive tackle during training camp. Marcell Dareus had just passed his physical in early August after suffering a neck injury in Week 16 and then a broken foot in Week 17 of last season. Here’s what our head coach said on his return back in August (before the suspension was given):

“Marcell in my opinion is the best nose tackle in football, but he’s not just a nose tackle,” said Ryan. “He’s got other abilities where you could put him over a guard or a tackle and we’re going to take advantage of it. If we think we have some kind of mismatch it’s going to be get ready to block this guy. That’s something we’ll look at.”

It wasn’t long until we learned that Marcell Dareus had violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy and will face a four-game suspension that started Week 1 this season. It was disappointing for Marcell Dareus, the Bills’ organization and fans worldwide, especially noting that he was suspended for Rex Ryan’s debut last season for the same violation.

Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) reacts after a play in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills didn’t waste time voicing their displeasure with Marcell Dareus’ actions and sent out a press release a week after Rex coined him the “best nose tackle in football.” The release featured:

“From ownership down we have made it clear his behavior is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps to work with him in order that he adheres to the policies set forth by our league. As an organization, we will move forward with our preparations for the start of the 2016 NFL season.”

A couple of days later, Marcell Dareus finally spoke about the suspension. That Saturday, in a statement released by the team, Dareus explained his decision to enter a rehab facility:

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

That’s a lot to take in, considering at that point the season hadn’t even started yet. Hell, they hadn’t even played their first preseason game.

We made it though.

After a 1-3 preseason, two regular season losses and two regular season wins later, we’ve made it. And boy are we glad to have Dareus back in Bills’ gear.

On Monday, October 3rd — following the Bills’ 16-0 road shutout on the Patriots — the team announced that Dareus is officially back with the team and added some more good news along with that.

The question that was on everyone’s mind was will he be ready for Week 5 vs. the Rams and we got a pretty good answer on Monday. Here’s what Rex Ryan had to say when asked:

“I expect him to play (Sunday). He’s already been delayed four games. So he’ll play,” said head coach Rex Ryan Monday. “In what capacity? How much he really plays I’m not sure, but he’s definitely going to play.”

I’m sure Kyle Williams is hoping to have Dareus back on Sunday. Williams has been creating havoc all season long, but is probably starting to get tired and worn out without having Dareus to ease the playing time.

If Dareus returns on Sunday, we will see a much more aggressive, fresh and energetic defensive line. Pair that with this freak-linebacker crew and the Rams will have quite the defense to go against.

We are all glad to have you back, Dareus, and can’t wait to see you pressuring opposing offenses all game long.

The Bills also received good news on our first-round draft pick, Shaq Lawson. What’s new with him?

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Shaq Lawson (Clemson) after being selected by the Buffalo Bills as the number nineteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Every Buffalo Bills’ fan is wondering when we are going to get our first look at our first-round draft pick this season. Reports are saying as soon as possible.

Marcell Dareus isn’t the only Buffalo Bills‘ player that the team can’t wait to get back on the field for gameday. With four games now complete this season, the team seems confident that their first-round draft pick — Shaq Lawson — will make his NFL debut on schedule.

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Lawson was drafted by the Bills in the first round of this year’s draft with the 19th overall pick. There was a lot of buzz surrounding him shortly after being drafted on whether he will be good to go for Week 1 vs. the Baltimore Ravens. It was quickly announced that he was still having shoulder issues.

Not too long after the draft, we learned that Shaq Lawson had shoulder surgery and that he wouldn’t be ready for Week 1. That’s when speculation started to swirl on whether he would even see playing time in his rookie year. Not only is it tough to come back from an injury — any injury — but the fact that he hasn’t spent any time with this defense or any time in the NFL period will definitely make it much more difficult.

Shaq Lawson ended up being put on the PUP list before the season started, which meant that he wouldn’t be able to return to the team until Week 6 ended. With four weeks gone, Week 7 is only three weeks away. Will he be ready in time?

According to Doug Whaley and Rex Ryan, everything is looking good so far. In a radio interview last week, Whaley stated that Shaq Lawson’s recovery is going as planned and the rookie will be good to start practicing as soon as he’s eligible.

In addition, Rex Ryan talked about his return with a bit more detail and hype:

“I think he’s going to be ready to roll,” said Ryan. “I think when his time is up he’s doing a really good job in the weight room. Now he’s not going to be in football shape, so don’t expect him to just come in and start. He hasn’t been through one NFL practice, but we’ll definitely work him in when he gets back. I would anticipate him getting back as soon as he’s eligible.”

Rex Ryan continued:

“We’re definitely looking forward to it,” he said. “I think he’s an outstanding player and loves to play the game. A passionate guy. I think he’s going to fit right in with the guys that we have. It’s only going to help us. When you’re able to keep a guy like Lorenzo Alexander fresh or give Jerry Hughes a few plays off I think that helps the whole team.”

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Shaq Lawson participates in a workout drill during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s think about this real quick. I mean, we see how good our linebackers are performing so far this season — being the highlight of the team early on.

So, you’re telling me that we’ve been doing it without our top draft pick? You’re telling me when he is good to play, we will have an even more fresh and energetic Jerry Hughes and Lorenzo Alexander? You’re telling me our linebacker group isn’t even at full-strength?

Yeah, I’d be worried if I were an opposing offense to this Bills’ defense in a couple of weeks. I would already be worried now, but add a Shaq Lawson to that group and anything is possible.

Much like Rex Ryan, I’m excited to see what he can add to this pass rush.

Do you think Lawson will make the swift return that Rex Ryan and Dough Whaley are advertising?

Lastly, let’s get to one more player that could be making his Bills’ debut very soon: newly claimed WR Justin Hunter.

Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) catches a pass during mini camp practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills recently claimed Justin Hunter off the waivers. Can he help fill the void left by Watkins’ foot injury?

Shortly before the team announced that Sammy Watkins was going to be placed on the IR, it was announced by the Buffalo Bills that they had claimed WR Justin Hunter from the Miami Dolphins. The news quickly got overshadowed when we learned of Watkins.

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Justin Hunter was drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Tennessee Titans, who had the 34th overall pick. He spent his first 3 years with the team and recorded 68 receptions, 1,116 yards and 8 touchdowns in 35 games.

He was a consistent player for the Titans, grabbing around 2-4 catches per game in his stint with them. However, he just never fully lived up to his potential.

After being claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins last year, he only played in one game and failed to record a reception. His career in Miami was short-lived and was brought to an end a couple of weeks ago.

With Sammy Watkins now on the injured reserve list, the Bills were in dire need of a wide receiver that could produce. Apparently, Rex Ryan saw something in Justin Hunter that made him claim the 5th-year wide receiver.

Hunter has been studying the Bills’ offense since he was signed by the team. Buffalo is hoping to utilize his talents as soon as possible and have announced that he could suit up and play vs. the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. If so, his 6-foot-4 body and fast legs could play a major role in filling that big hole left by the Watkins-injury.

I’ve been hoping for a while now that the Bills would find a more reliable wide receiver, even before the Watkins-injury.

Safe to say, I think we might’ve found him.