The Buffalo Bills will be without a running back to start the season this fall, but it's not LeSean McCoy.

The team announced on Friday that the National Football League has suspended Karlos Williams for four games for a violation of the league's Substances of Abuse Policy.

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A fifth-round pick out of Florida State in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams was a key contributor to a Bills offence that was riddled with injuries a year ago.

A native of Davenport, Florida, Williams appeared in 11 games for the Bills in his rookie season, starting three of them. He rushed for 517 yards on 93 carries and seven touchdowns. Williams also added 96 yards receiving on 11 catches and a pair of touchdowns.

Williams will be eligible to return from suspension on October 3 ahead of Week 5's home game with the Los Angeles Rams.

McCoy, the team's feature back, was cleared of wrongdoing in an offseason brawl with off-duty police officers last week and will not face any league punishment.