EJ Manuel was looking like the guy in Buffalo. Kevin Kolb was down with a freak knee injury and the rookie had stepped up to the plate, appearing impressive in both practice and his preseason debut. However, the Bills coaching staff is still holding on strong to the veteran and if all goes to plan, Kolb will start in the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Head coach Doug Marrone announced Kolb as the starting quarterback for Friday. The veteran was not available to play in team's debut after he slipped on a rubber mat and injured his knee. He sat out of practice for a few days, allowing Manuel to pick up steam as a starter. The rookie played the entire first half of last week's game, leading to the team on a long touchdown drive.
Kolb told media earlier in the week that he feels back to 100 percent and really pushed the envelope to return as quickly as possible. Could that be because a rookie is hot on his tails?
"I'm pretty good. It's getting better every day," Kolb said. "I think we're taking it slowly and carefully. But I'm trying to push the envelope a little bit. I'm trying to get out there and get a little part of this fun."
Reports out of the Bills' training camp are that Manuel did not run away with the starting job during Kolb's absence, leaving Marrone to continue on with the competition. Buffalo Rumblings notes that if Kolb can have a strong debut to the season, the competition will carry on to a third preseason game. If he struggles, the starting job could be Manuel's to lose.
It has been debated who was the future of the Buffalo franchise. Kolb was originally brought in to be "the guy" but clearly the Bills are planning a backup option after drafting Manuel in the first round. Despite the offseason signing, the Bills were the only team to draft a quarterback in the first round this year.
Kolb has had his fair amount of attempts at being a starting quarterback in the NFL. He started just six games last season for the Arizona Cardinals, throwing 1,169 yards for eight touchdowns. The Bills signed him to a two-year deal. However, if Manuel continues to improve he will be the starter, if not this year than next.