The Buffalo Bills picked E.J. Manuel in the first round of the NFL draft in April and after signing quarterback Kevin Kolb in the offseason many felt that the rookie would have a good chance at winning the job and while Doug Marrone hasn't picked an official starter for the season, the veteran will start the second game of the preseason against the Minnesota Vikings.
According to ESPN.com, head coach Doug Marrone said he gave Kolb the start over Manuel to give him the proper chance in competition, as he was injured last week for the opening game against the Indianapolis Colts. Manuel started that game and played well as the Bills won 44-20 in the last game of week one of the preseason. Marrone said each player deserved to start at least one game and Manuel likely will get some extensive playing time as well on Friday night against the Vikings and there is a chance he could play most of the second half.
Marrone said the move about the starter had nothing to do with Manuel's performance and he said that the rookie played well against the Colts on Sunday. Marrone likely will make a decision about the season before the final preseason game and Manuel appears to have as good a chance as Kolb to win the starting job. Last season Kolb dealt with injuries while playing for the Arizona Cardinals and he sat out the last game after injuring his knee after falling in practice. Kolb was back working out on Tuesday and is on schedule to start on Friday after coming back.
The ESPN report says that rookie Kiko Alonso may miss the game on Friday after dealing with a shoulder injury and both Brad Smith and Steve Johnson participated in drills on a limited basis. Johnson will not play on Friday and the team is hoping that his hamstring will be fully healed by the time the regular season starts. The team is hoping for a big season from CJ Spiller and a consistent running game will help whoever is the starting quarterback.
