DT Marcell Dareus returned to practice on Thursday following the death of his younger brother, Simeon Gilmore, who was among three people killed in a shooting in suburban Birmingham, Ala., on Sunday.

“In just the short period of time we had a conversation, I could tell he’s hurting,” coach Chan Gailey said. “But he’s being strong.”

Dareus returned to Buffalo around noon and participated fully in practice. He’s set to play in Buffalo’s Week 2 matchup against Kansas City and then will return to his hometown to be with his family following the game.

The Bills would have understood if Dareus needed more time off, but were glad to see him back with his teammates.

“I thought one of our players stated it very well -- he said that there’s 60 family members here, too, 60 brothers here that care for him and they just want to try to help him get through it,” Gailey said. “He felt the responsibility to be back here knowing he had responsibilities there, and I think everybody’s going to work to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. It can’t go smooth, but as smoothly as possible.”

“Right now is a tough time for me and my family, but thank you very much for the support because I truly really need it at this time,” Dareus said in a statement released by the team. “I know I have a lot of things going on off the field, but I am here and ready to play.”

RT situation: Erik Pears and Chris Hairston will continue to rotate reps at right tackle for the near future, Gailey said. Pears, the usual starter, is recovering from a groin injury. The two split time against the Jets in Week 1.

Rogers a possibility in secondary: Second-year pro Justin Rogers is a candidate to get more playing time at CB, specifically in the nickel. Rogers was the favorite to land the nickel job before suffering a hamstring injury at training camp, and the current nickel CB, Leodis McKelvin, struggled in Week 1. “He was in position, before all this injury, he was playing there and doing pretty well,” Gailey said. “So we have to give him an opportunity to get back on the field somehow.”

For more updates on the Bills, follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSBills and @MarkLud12.