Thad Lewis has taken a beating in three surprisingly competent starts at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills this season. It looks like all those hits have taken a toll.
Jeff Tuel took first-team snaps at practice Wednesday while Lewis did not practice, according to the Bills' official website. After practice, Tuel said he split first-team reps with Matt Flynn, but Tuel was up first when the media watched. Lewis is dealing with a rib injury and the flu. Coach Doug Marrone said Lewis is "50-50" to play this week.
Rookie EJ Manuel, who has missed three straight starts, actually dressed for practice Wednesday, which is a surprise. But he did not participate in the session and will not be available for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Marrone indicated that Flynn probably will backup Tuel if Lewis isn't available, although the Bills wouldn't give away more than that. For now, it's possible that Tuel, Flynn or Lewis could start this week.
All of the quarterback injuries are a shame because Buffalo's defense is playing very well this season. We liked the Bills' chances for an upset Sunday, but not if Tuel is under center. Tuel told reporters Wednesday that he doesn't know if he'll start.
Here's a look at the other hanging quarterback situations around the league:
- Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier refused to reveal his starting quarterback Wednesday. He says he wants to keep the Dallas Cowboys guessing as to whether it will be Christian Ponder or Josh Freeman. We'll stick to the edge of our seats.
- Nick Foles will start at quarterback this week, coach Chip Kelly confirmed Wednesday. Just don't ask him who will start at quarterback next week.
- Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley announced during the team's bye week that Chad Henne will remain the team's starter. So Blaine Gabbert is all but banished for good at this stage.
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