Put Tuel Back in the Shed, Bring in Thad Lewis

Bills QB Thad Lewis showing off his mobility
 against the Detroit Lions.

With EJ Manuel sidelined for most of the preseason (knee), and Kevin Kolb being placed on IR (concussion), the Buffalo Bills traded for Thad Lewis. The former Duke Blue Devil played one game with the Bills in their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. Lewis' performance was solid, but wasn't strong enough to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. EJ Manuel recovered quickly and was named the starting quarterback for week one against the New England Patriots. Undrafted rookie free agent  Jeff Tuel  had the hot hand in the preseason. With the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart going down, Tuel's practice reps and game time amplified. Tuel was then named Buffalo's backup for week one by head coach Doug Marrone. Although Lewis didn't have much knowledge of the offense, his talent and production did not go unnoticed. Lewis was signed to the practice squad shortly after.

Going into Thursday Night Football, Bills nation was anxious to see what the next chapter held in the EJ Manuel project. Late in the second half, Manuel took off and ran for a first down. Tiptoeing the sideline, Manuel was exposed for a big hit. Cleveland Browns saftey, Tashaun Gipson, went low on the scrambling Manuel and knocked him out of the game. It was now 'Tuel Time' for the Bills, as Tuel came off the bench late in the third quarter. With almost no production and a late pick six, the Bills went on to lose the nationally televised game. 

This week Manuel was diagnosed with a sprained MCL and is now expected to miss 4-8 weeks. The Bills brought in Pat White and Denis Dixon this weekend for workouts. Dixon was signed to the practice squad, while White was left in the dust. All signs led to Thad Lewis to be the starting quarterback for week six, and that's exactly what will happen.

Lewis has been on the practice squad all year, but has been in the booth on gamedays. Lewis is a smart player and has the most knowledge of Nathaniel Hackett's offense. Lewis has good speed and looks natural running the read option. Combined with a decent arm, it'll be compelling to see how the Bills will do this Sunday, when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium.