Bills Henderson appealing NFL 4-game suspension

Ian Rapoport reports that the suspension was triggered by a positive test for marijuana, which could be used as a painkiller for Henderson’s Crohn’s disease.

A report from Adam Schefter of ESPN on Wednesday indicates that Bills tackle Seantrel Henderson is appealing a four-game suspension for a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy. He’s listed at 6’7, 331 pounds, but the offensive lineman lost a significant amount of weight due to Crohn’s.

Henderson told the Palm Beach Post his body shook with pain at times when he played last season. “It’s not a big change”. The Bills now have Henderson listed as their backup right tackle behind Jordan Mills, and have been decimated with injuries and suspensions heading into the 2016 season.

Coach Rex Ryan would only refer to questions regarding Henderson as “a league disciplinary issue”, and directed questions to the NFL. “If it’s against the rules, it’s against the rules”.

The Bills open the season at Baltimore on Sunday. “One day I’m in surgery, the next day the doctor’s saying I might not be able to play no more”.

The third-year Bills offensive tackle started 16 games at right tackle as a rookie for Buffalo, and started 10 games last season before missing the final five games following his diagnosis of Crohn’s disease. He also was suspended while playing at the University of Miami for failed drug tests.

Henderson has had issues with marijuana use before.

Guard Richie Incognito was informed of the news while coming off the field after practice. “I know he’s been working hard”.

For the Bills, the suspension cements what has been a very rough offseason for them in terms of suspensions. Running back Karlos Williams received a four-game suspension for violating the league’s drug policy back in July before the team released him. TE Gerald Christian and DT Deandre Coleman were signed to the practice squad.