The Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills have now both seen their starting quarterbacks leave Thursday night’s game with apparent knee injuries.
The Browns lost Brian Hoyer in the first quarter to a knee injury that head coach Rob Chudzinski fears includes torn knee ligaments. Bills starter EJ Manuel went down midway through the third quarter. Both injuries happened on scrambles by the quarterbacks.
Manuel had spun away from pressure from the Browns defense and run for 14 yards and a first down on a 3rd and 8 play. Manuel didn’t slide and was hit by Tashaun Gipson on his way out-of-bounds directly on his right knee. Manuel has since been looked at by the training staff and has taken to riding a stationary bicycle on the sidelines.
Manuel was replaced by rookie undrafted free agent Jeff Tuel, who managed to finish off the scoring drive for the Bills. After a pass interference call against Cleveland, Fred Jackson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Bills a 24-17 lead.
UPDATE 10:46 p.m. ET: The Bills announced that Manuel is doubtful to return to the game.