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After rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel suffered a knee injury against the Cleveland Browns last Thursday, backup quarterback Jeff Tuel entered the game, completing eight of 20 passes for 80 yards passing and a passer rating of 31.2. Instead of going with their backup quarterback this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bills are going in a different direction.
The Buffalo Bills announced Monday morning that practice squad quarterback Thad Lewis will be promoted to the 53-man roster and start against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Doug Marrone confirmed the move on WGR 550 in Buffalo.
#Bills QB Thad Lewis will start for Buffalo against the Bengals
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) October 7, 2013
Bills HC Doug Marrone told WGR 550 in Buffalo that Thad Lewis will start at quarterback Sunday vs. Cincinnati.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2013
Lewis, a former undrafted free agent, has been with the St. Louis Rams ('10) and Cleveland Browns ('11-'12), was acquired during a preseason trade with the Detroit Lions when Manuel was hurt and quarterback Kevin Kolb was placed on IR. Lewis returned to the practice squad after final cuts. In three seasons, Lewis has 22 completions on 32 career attempts for 204 yards passing, a touchdown and interception and a quarterback rating of 83.3.