Buffalo Bills release running back Karlos Williams

On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills announced they have officially released running back Karlos Williams.

With a preseason game looming, the Buffalo Bills announced the release of Karlos Williams on Saturday. Williams was in just his second year with the team. His recent suspension and reporting to camp overweight certainly didn’t help him remain a key member of the team roster.

The Bills drafted Williams in the 2015 NFL Draft in the fifth round. He previously starred at Florida State and was part of the 2014 championship squad. So far his NFL career has included 517 total rushing yards with seven rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores.

Williams’ touchdown total was tied with Sammy Watkins for the team lead. It was his off-field issues that led to the Bills choosing to part ways with him. Williams will serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and he ballooned up to 261 pounds during the offseason.

With LeSean McCoy the team’s No. 1 option at running back, Williams was listed third behind Reggie Bush on the depth chart. Mike Gillislee, a fifth-round pick in 2013 by the Dolphins, was sitting fourth and will likely move up.

The Bills are set to play their second preseason on Saturday night against the New York Giants. It should now provide opportunities for Bush, Gillislee and James Wilder Jr. to show what they can do and earn a role in the offense. The Bills also have another fifth-round pick in former Arkansas back, Jonathan Williams who can possibly move up the depth chart.

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With Williams released it could provide another team in need of a back a decent option. It’s been noted that he is subject to waivers and also a four-game suspension due to a violation of the drug policy. Any team who picks him up will certainly want to keep that in mind as they eye the first quarter of their regular season schedule.