With rookie EJ Manuel still recovering from a knee procedure, the Bills plan to start rookie Jeff Tuel in Week 1 against the Patriots, the team announced. Coach Doug Marrone said he still hoped Manuel would return in time, but the team is not counting on it.
Tuel completed 10 of 17 throws for 63 yards on Saturday against Washington. An undrafted free agent out of Washington State, Tuel was outstanding in the preseason opener, hitting 19 of 23 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns.