EJ Manuel Has To Be Ready For Week 1

Aug 11, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) throws a pass during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

As the time has come and gone for teams to reach that 53 man mark now is time for teams to monitor that waiver wire. With the Bills releasing Thad Lewis it tells me EJ has to be ready right? With only Jeff Tuel left on the roster I don’t think Lewis would have been cut if he wasn’t. The only reason I can think of is that one word experience. The Bills currently had none at all going into Saturday but now were down one more guy that knew anything about this play book.

When EJ went down that was the last thing Bills fans wanted to hear but thankfully the severity of the injury was said to be minor. A small procedure was done with his knee and a timetable was set for his return for week 1. After that coach Marrone let everyone know that practice (at least 3) was necessary to play against the Pats. With Manuel only attending the meetings and not participating that had fans questioning his readiness. This last preseason game EJ was out throwing prior to kickoff and that was encouraging. That said I wonder now why the Bills would have released both of the QB’s they acquired/signed about a week ago. Matt Leinart and Lewis will now be looking for work before the start of the season.

Now hearing about the decision it only makes sense that EJ is ready to play. The reason I say that is what if Tuel starts and goes down in week 1? A newly signed QB would just hop in and play instead of a QB signed that got some gameplay in preseason game 4 and also more practices. To me basically that’s the only thing that’s make sense. I know the Bills want that experience at the position and this is the time they can add that depth and guidance. To whom they sign is unclear but I would bet it’s someone that’s been in the league for some time.

If the above thought is wrong many people including myself will be questioning as to what is going on? Taking the risk of not only losing the first game badly but maybe even being an embarrassment I’m sure it’s not something this new coaching staff wants. We’re just about a week away from the regular season and for sure things will be interesting. The Bills have 3 open spots as of right now and it should be 2 because one has to be a QB.