ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - The Buffalo Bills have released running back Bryce Brown to free a roster spot for defensive tackle Marcell Dareus' return from a one-game suspension.

The decision was announced Tuesday, when Dareus rejoined the team after missing a season-opening win over Indianapolis for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Brown was not active for the game Sunday, and had been used sparingly for most of the off-season.

Brown has had difficulty getting much playing time in Buffalo since the Bills acquired him in a trade with Philadelphia in May 2014. The fourth-year player had 36 carries for 126 yards and 176 yards receiving with no scores in seven games last season.

Brown became the odd-man out with Buffalo carrying four other running backs, including fullback Jerome Felton.

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