Marshawn Lynch won't play vs. Bills after suspension upheld

The NFL has upheld its one-game suspension of Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch for making physical contract with an official, the league announced Tuesday.

The ruling by appeals officer James Thrash means Lynch will not play Sunday against the Billsin Buffalo, where he spent the first 3 seasons of his NFL career.

During the Raiders' Week 7 win over the Kansas City Chiefson Thursday night, Lynch ran off the sideline and into a scrum after cornerback Marcus Peters hit Oakland quarterback Derek Carr late, drawing a flag for a personal foul. Several Raiders offensive linemen went after Peters, an Oakland native and close friend of Lynch's. Lynch bumped line judge Julian Mapp in the chest and then grabbed the official by the jersey before letting go and tending to Peters.

Lynch had argued during Monday's appeal hearing that nine other players, including Aaron Donald and Taylor Lewan last season, have made contact with an official and none have been suspended, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The source also said Peters spoke on Lynch's behalf during the hearing, which was held by conference call. Peters told Thrash that Lynch was trying to calm him and the situation.

Whereas several players have only been fined for making contact with an official, Lynch also left the sideline to join the fray. That made his infraction worthy of a suspension, according to NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan.

With Lynch sidelined, the Raiders will rely heavily on smaller, second-year backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington. Richard has rushed for 158 yards on 35 carries this season, while Washington has 53 yards on 23 carries.

Information from ESPN's Paul Gutierrez and The Associated Press was used in this report.