Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has revealed that he will wait until Wednesday to make a decision on who his starting quarterback will be for the regular season opener.
EJ Manuel returned to practice earlier today having undergone a minor surgical procedure on his left knee two weeks ago, and the rookie hopes to be fit enough to start the first match of the season.
Marrone revealed last week that undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel would play if Manuel did not recover in time, but he is eager to wait until Wednesday before making the final call.
"[Manuel's] transitioning in. If we can have him practising on Wednesday and we feel that he is good enough and mentally ready to play, then he's going to play. I'll be able to give everyone an answer on Wednesday," the team's official website quotes him as saying.
"He looked good. I say that not knowing what can happen in the next couple days. As far as today, I think he looked good and we were excited about, but I don't want to give the wrong impression that two to three days from now I don't want to be communicating 'Well wait a minute, he looked good, you led us on to believe that he's feeling alright'.
"I don't try to play any games. Again, we'll just see how he goes during the week and Wednesday we'll make the decision. It's either going to be EJ or its going to be Jeff. Both guys will be available for the game."
The Bills will kick off their regular season against the New England Patriots next Sunday afternoon.
Barney Corkhill
