Bills begin QB search as EJ Manuel out for “a few weeks” with sprained LCL

EJ injury

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — It was announced earlier today that Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel has a sprained LCL after being injured in last night’s loss against the Cleveland Browns. Manuel’s injury came on a first-down run in the middle of the third quarter, and he was then replaced by undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel.

On the season, Manuel has gone 85-150 for 985 yards, with five touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions and losing three fumbles. Manuel had a late fourth-quarter comeback win against the Carolina Panthers for his first career win, and behind his defense last week, the Buffalo Bills defeated the defending Super Bowl champion, Baltimore Ravens.

Head coach Doug Marrone spoke on the injury and the team’s future at the quarterback position saying:

“We will be looking to bring in another quarterback. We’re in the process of that right now,” Marrone said. “It’s not a stretch [that the new quarterback starts against Cincinnati]. I think it all depends on who it is, what we get, what their background is in their system.” (ESPN.com)

As the Bills begin their new search for a quarterback, the hottest name on the marker will be recently released, Josh Freeman. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer was released this week after a circus of events that began with him starting the season, then being benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon, followed by a deactivation, and finally a release from Tampa.

It seemed as if Freeman and Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano just did not get along or see eye-to-eye on anything. The locker room was reportedly lost during this time, and a change of scenery seemed to be best for Freeman. A tall, athletic quarterback who has had his struggles winning big games, Freeman is still a hot commodity for teams looking for a backup, or a replacement starter, as in Buffalo.

At this time there is no official word on the Bills’ interest in Freeman, but if the shoes fits, they should wear it.

Follow Mike Pendleton on Twitter @MP2310

Photo credit: (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

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