On Tuesday, Bills coach Doug Marrone said that E.J. Manuel had yet to begin throwing after his knee surgery, one of many steps the quarterback would have to take before being ready for game action.
Things have progressed since then, however. Mark Gaughan of the Buffalo News reports that Manuel was throwing “a lot of balls” on the field before the Bills’ preseason finale against the Lions.
Gaughan adds that Manuel “wasn’t trotting or anything,” but getting back to throwing is clearly a step in the right direction for the rookie and for a Bills offense that will make history if they wind up starting undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel, who is not expected to play against the Lions on Thursday night, in the season opener against the Patriots.
While discussing Manuel’s progress this week, Marrone said that he would need to have Manuel cleared to practice by Wednesday of next week. How close to getting that green light Manuel might be after throwing on Thursday is unknown, but it’s sure to be a closely watched storyline heading into Week One.
