Buffalo Bills defensive end Marcell Dareus has been suspended for the first game of next season.

Dareus violated the NFL's substance abuse policy, in an incident dating back to an arrest last year for criminal possession of a controlled substance.

"Last year, I made a mistake involving possession of a banned substance," Dareus said in a statement.

"The NFL's discipline for this conduct is part of the drug policy, and I apologise to my family, my teammates, the entire Bills organization and Bills fans that I will miss one game as a result of my mistake."

Dareus will be allowed to participate in all pre-season practices and games, but will not play in the opener against the Indianapolis Colts.