MalTalm
Formerly known as Talm
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http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9784909/buffalo-bills-start-thad-lewis-qb-vs-cincinnati-bengals
There was always a small groundswell of support for this guy in Cleveland, likely due to the terrible competition which sat ahead of him on the depth chart. Still, it will be interesting to see what he can do with some opportunity on a roster with some offensive capability.
With rookie EJ Manuel sidelined for several weeks because of a right knee injury, the Buffalo Bills will start Thad Lewis at quarterback Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, coach Doug Marrone told WGR 550 in Buffalo on Monday.
Lewis, who spent the first five weeks of the season on the practice squad, will be signed to the active roster.
"At this point where we are now, he gives us the best opportunity,'' Marrone said. "He has experience. He has played in games. He knows the system.''
Shortly before 8 a.m., Marrone pulled Lewis aside to inform him to get ready to face Bengals.
"He just told me, 'You're starting,''' Lewis told The Associated Press. "He gave me the nod, so I have to go out and do my best with it.''
The Bills chose not to start undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel, who was the only healthy quarterback remaining on the Bills' roster. He replaced Manuel in Thursday night's loss to the Cleveland Browns and went 8-for-20 passing for 80 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Lewis, 25, was acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions on Aug. 25 after Manuel underwent surgery on his left knee. Lewis, who went undrafted out of Duke in 2010, made his only career start last season for the Browns.
Describing his excitement level as being "through the roof,'' Lewis is attempting to keep his emotions in check. He's received no assurances from Marrone as to whether he'll maintain the job beyond this weekend.
"A lot of people are like, 'Why aren't you happy and jumping for joy?''' Lewis said. "But I know it's a business. And I know I have to get ready to help this team go out and win.''
Buffalo worked out free-agent quarterbacks Pat White and Dennis Dixon on Sunday. Dixon was sent home, but White spent Sunday night in Buffalo. White, however, left Buffalo on Monday for a scheduled workout with the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, a league source told ESPN.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
There was always a small groundswell of support for this guy in Cleveland, likely due to the terrible competition which sat ahead of him on the depth chart. Still, it will be interesting to see what he can do with some opportunity on a roster with some offensive capability.