Bills’ C.J. Spiller excused after alleged shootings by family member

Running back C.J. Spiller has left the Buffalo Bills to be with his family after his step-grandfather allegedly went on a shooting spree, killing two people and wounding two others before killing himself near Jacksonville, Fla.

The Bills have set no timetable for Spiller’s return but some media outlets are reporting that he will be back with the team on Sunday.

“I think we all feel the same way,� Bills Coach Doug Marrone said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims as well as C.J. and his family in this situation.

“I don’t have any answer of when he’s going to come back, but we’re in communication, just making sure that we’re there to support him, that he’s doing well. And then obviously we’re monitoring of when he needs to come back, but we want to make sure that he handles what he needs to handle.�

According to NFL.com, Hubert Allen Jr., 72, allegedly shot a former coworker before driving to the home of his former boss and killing him. Reports said he allegedly wounded two other people -- one of whom was believed to be a coworker -- before killing himself.

Allen was married to Spiller’s late grandmother, Nettie Pearl Allen, whom the Pro Bowler considers to be the biggest influence in his life, according to the Buffalo News. The Allens helped Spiller’s single mom raise him.

Nettie Pearl Allen died when Spiller was in the eighth grade. He makes the sign of the cross and points to the sky for her before every game.

Spiller rushed for 1,244 yards and six touchdowns last season.

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