Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has revealed that quarterback EJ Manuel is showing "good signs" of recovery from injury.

Manuel underwent minor knee surgery earlier this month and has been battling to be fit for his side's regular season opener against the New England Patriots on September 8.

An injury to back-up quarterback Kevin Kolb has made Manuel's return even more anticipated, and Marrone is happy that the rookie has started showing signs of returning to fitness.

"[Manuel's] working back so he's actually starting to move around now, which is a good sign," Marrone told the team's official website.

"Then it's just a matter of how he heals and then when he's back he'll be our quarterback."

Should Manuel not return in time for their first match of the season, Marrone has confirmed that undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel will start at quarterback.