Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel started his rookie season dealing with a left knee injury that required surgery and the knee is bothering him again as the season winds down.
Luckily for the Bills, it doesn’t appear to be as serious an injury this time around. Coach Doug Marrone said Manuel sprained his left knee during the 27-20 victory over Jacksonville, but played the entire game and Marrone doesn’t think it will impede him come Sunday even if it limits him in practice this week.
“He should be OK,” Marrone said, via Tim Graham of the Buffalo News. “I don’t feel like it’s going to be anything. We have time.”
Manuel missed the preseason after his surgery and then missed several weeks this season after injuring his right knee. The missed time hasn’t helped Manuel’s development and it’s shown in inconsistent play over the course of the season. He played well after a rough start against the Jaguars, though. Manuel threw an early interception, but finished the day 17-of-24 for 193 yards and two touchdowns while also running for 39 yards and a score.
Assuming no further injury issues crop up, Manuel should have the entire offseason to concentrate on the improvements he needs to become the quarterback the Bills want him to be.