Pittsburgh Steelers: Bills E.J. Manuel likely to start Sunday vs. Steelers
By Matt Shetler
When the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Buffalo Bills Sunday afternoon, there is a good chance that they will get a look at rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel.
Manuel has been cleared for “full go” in practice this week and barring any sort of setback, the first-round pick is likely to be under center when the Bills make their way to Heinz Field.
Oct 3, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback
EJ Manuel(3) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Florida State product injured his knee when the Bills took on the Cleveland Browns during a Thursday night contest in Week 5. He was expected to miss a few weeks with the LCL injury. The Bills had signed Matt Flynn on October 15 and Thad Lewis has filled in for Manuel even since, until last week when Jeff Tuel filled in for the injured Lewis in the Bills loss to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
What that means for the Steelers is they will get a look at yet another rookie quarterback, something Dick LeBeau has a history of having success against.
But judging by this season so far, you can’t really count on past results meaning much for this Steelers team.
The 16th overall pick in the draft has had an up and down first go around in the NFL like most rookie quarterbacks.
There has been times where he has looked like a franchise quarterback, most notably his game-winning drive against the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season. But at other times his errant throws have been head scratching at best.
Manuel has thrown for 985 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions before being injured. His QBR ranked 23rd among NFL quarterbacks through Week 5.
The Steelers should be licking their chops going against the rookie but if this season has taught us anything, Manuel could be in for a career day upon his return.