The Buffalo Bills will be without their top offensive weapon in C.J. Spiller indefinitely. Head coach Doug Marrone excused the running back to be with his family in Florida, according to NFL.com. Spiller's step-grandfather allegedly shot and killed two former co-workers before killing himself on Saturday.
C.J. Spiller leaves Buffalo Bills to be with family
Spiller is excused from practice indefinitely following a tragic event in his family.
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
On Monday, Marrone spoke to the media about Spiller’s leave of absence, although he wasn’t willing to provide a timetable for a return. Via CBS Sports:
“I talked to him when we landed from the Washington game,” coach Doug Marrone said. “I obviously excused him to be able to go back and handle obviously what is a personal situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims as well as C.J. and his family in this situation.”
Spiller reportedly knew about the initial news report before Saturday night's preseason game against the Washington Redskins. He finished the game with eight carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. In the first two games of preseason, Spiller earned a combined 63 yards on 11 carries. Marrone has said he expects Spiller to play a prominent role in the offense this season.
With veteran backups, Fred Jackson and Tashard Choice, the Bills aren't going to be as stripped at the running back position without Spiller as they currently are at quarterback. The Bills finish their preseason play with a Thursday night home game against the Detroit Lions.
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