EJ Manuel went from having a shot at the starting quarterback job to being inactive Week 1 for the Buffalo Bills versus the Indianapolis Colts.
With Manuel out, Matt Cassel is officially the backup quarterback behind starter Tyrod Taylor.
Taylor flashed with the most potential in the preseason, while Cassel was the least impressive of the trio.
With a running quarterback like Taylor, the chances of injury increases with additional hits. It appears coach Rex Ryan is more comfortable turning to the veteran, Cassel, if injury strikes.
Manuel, a former first-round pick, will get more mental reps from the sideline, without pads on.
The Bills also announced running back Bryce Brown and receiver Marquise Goodwin are among their inactives.