EJ Manuel Cleared to Play This Weekend Against Steelers
Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
While rookie UDFA Jeff Tuel had his moments during his first professional start, his two costly interceptions and low completion percentage (46%) did little to help his team pull an upset win against the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.
Thankfully for Buffalo’s offense though, they could be getting EJ Manuel back for this weekend’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers according to Chris Brown of the team’s website.
The 16th overall pick from April’s NFL Draft was recently cleared by Buffalo’s doctors, and the former Florida State Seminole is apparently healthy enough to play after he sprained his left LCL (knee) during the Bills’ Week 5 loss against the Browns.
Buffalo’s signal-caller racked up 985 passing yards and five touchdowns during his first five games before his injury, and he was definitely showing signs of progress before the injury occurred.
Although the ultimate decision to start the once-hobbled quarterback this weekend rests with Buffalo’s head coach Doug Marrone. Yet fact that Manuel practiced (in a limited fashion) last week and has been cleared by the team’s doctors is definitely a positive sign for the 3-6 Bills before they head to Heinz Field this Sunday to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Of course, the Bills and whoever is taking the snaps will probably not have to worry about passing the ball too much against the Steelers on Sunday.
Pittsburgh’s porous run-defense ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed per game, 20th in rushing yards per carry allowed, and has surrendered the second most rushing touchdowns in the league. Fred Jackson and even the hobbled C.J. Spiller ran roughshod over Kansas City last weekend, and Buffalo gained a total of 241 yards on the ground against one of the league’s best run defenses.
Strategy aside, it is nevertheless tremendous news for Buffalo that the most talented quarterback on their roster could potentially return to their starting lineup this Sunday.
Stats & Contract Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com , Spotrac, and Pro Football Reference
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