Former 1st-round QB EJ Manuel working with Bills' third team
Two years ago, EJ Manuel was a rookie first-round pick with a lot of expectations. Now he appears to be the No. 3 quarterback in a race that includes a veteran journeyman and a career backup.
Two years ago, EJ Manuel was a rookie first-round pick with a lot of expectations. Now he appears to be the No. 3 quarterback for the Bills in a race that includes a veteran journeyman and a career backup.
During Sunday's practice, Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor shared first-team snaps while Manuel, who has 14 career starts, ran the third team. It's a role that Manuel is also expected to fill when the Bills face the Browns in Thursday's preseason matchup.
“[Manuel] is going to get the majority of the game running with that group this second preseason game, so that’s the reasoning behind it," first-year coach Rex Ryan said, via the Buffalo News. "Does that mean he won’t get the [second-team] reps? No. It doesn’t mean that at all, but is want we wanted to do. We’re going to put Tyrod in and mix in Matt. As the week goes on, don’t be surprised if he does get some two’s."
Ryan said not to read too much into this, even if the division of labor the last few weeks suggests that Manuel is behind Cassel and Taylor.
“I know you guys want to look into anything, but I don’t think you need to," Ryan explained. "We’ve been working this thing for how long now? It’s been the same type of rotation for probably three weeks.”
But when asked directly about Manuel working with the first team Ryan deflected.
“I’m not going to paint myself into a corner,” he said. “I’ve learned through six years of experience you never say that.”
Put another way: Manuel hasn't panned out, and this may be his last best chance to make an impression in Buffalo.
