Lynch to miss 3 games, Draft Fred Jackson

Bills RB Lynch suspended for 3 games by NFL

By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP)—Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will miss the first three games of the regular season after being suspended without pay by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

The NFL announced the suspension Thursday, a month after Lynch pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge in Los Angeles. It was the player’s second run-in with the law, following a hit-and-run accident in Buffalo in May.

The suspension means the Bills will be without the 2007 first-round draft pick for their prime-time season-opener at New England on Sept. 14. The rest of the Bills schedule has not been released.

Under league rules, the suspension takes effect after the Bills final preseason game, and Lynch will be allowed to take part in the team’s offseason programs, including training camp.

Lynch has the option to appeal the ruling.

Without Lynch, the Bills will be missing one of their key offensive threats. He’s coming off consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards rushing, and last year led the team with nine touchdowns.

Backup Fred Jackson would likely take over as the interim starter. Jackson, however, has yet to accept the team’s one-year $460,000 tender offer while attempting to negotiate a long-term deal with the Bills.