E.J. Manuel was spotted throwing the ball during warmups before the Buffalo Bills' preseason finale against the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News reports. As of Tuesday, Manuel had not participated in practice with the Bills this week. He is still recovering from knee surgery.
E.J. Manuel injury: Bills QB throws during warmups vs. Lions
E.J. Manuel is throwing passes again, but the rookie quarterback may still have a ways to go to be ready for the Bills’ season opener.
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Gaughan emphasized that Manuel's participation in warmups was not an indication that he will be ready to play for the regular season opener Sept. 8 against the New England Patriots. He also indicated that Manuel was not moving much on his legs, so he may still have a few more steps to go in his recovery.
Head coach Doug Marrone said earlier this week that Manuel would have to be cleared to practice by next Wednesday to be made available for the regular season opener. As things stand, undrafted rookie free agent Jeff Tuel is slated to be the Bills' Week 1 starter.
The Bills will start Matt Leinart at quarterback on Thursday. The Bills likely don't want to risk putting their projected starter in harms way after losing Manuel and Kevin Kolb (concussion) earlier this month.
More from SB Nation NFL:
See More:
