Just two weeks removed from a minor surgical procedure on his knee, rookie QB EJ Manuel was back on the practice field Sunday. He joined his teammates - including five additions to the practice squad- at practice for the first time since injuring his knee in preseason game number two against Minnesota on August 16th.
"It felt great to be out there with my teammates and get back in the mode of practicing," Manuel said afterwards. "I have been progressing every day."
EJ Manuel in his return to #Bills practice pic.twitter.com/3hL14hK8TP — Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) September 1, 2013
Manuel underwent an unspecified minor surgical procedure on his left knee two days after that game. Since then, he's slowly been working through rehab—throwing from a stationary position with trainers and running on the treadmill. Manuel wore a light brace on his left knee, but did not appear to be bothered either by the equipment or increased workload.
"Obviously having a different type of equipment that you usually do not wear - it is different," said Manuel. "When you play, and if you are going to play, you cannot think of any kind of injuries that you have, whether it is something you got a procedure on or a sprained finger - anything like that. You just have to go out there and play."
Bills head coach Doug Marrone laid out the plan for Manuel for the rest of the week, as Buffalo prepares for the New England Patriots at a sold-out Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sept. 8.
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"I think that the he's transitioning in, I think it's no secret," Marrone said.
Despite being 'ahead of schedule' with regard to Manuel's return, Marrone was quick to hedge his bet, instead opting to let time pass before choosing between Manuel and undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel to start Week 1. "If we can have (Manuel) practicing on Wednesday and we feel that he's good enough and mentally ready to play, then he's going to play. I'll be able to give everyone an answer on Wednesday."
