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When the Buffalo Bills take on the New England Patriots in Sunday's regular season finale, they'll do so with Thad Lewis under center. EJ Manuel has been listed as doubtful to play, per head coach Doug Marrone, because his sprained knee did not progress as hoped this week.
Manuel will end his rookie season having lost eight games (two preseason, six regular season) to three different knee injuries. He sported a 4-6 record and a 77.7 quarterback rating in his 10 starts, finishing with 1,972 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, nine interceptions and two rushing scores.
Manuel has an LCL injury. Marrone says that team will work with him this offseason to strengthen muscles around that ligament
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 27, 2013
Lewis, meanwhile, will get one more audition to be the team's backup quarterback heading into the 2014 season. This will be his fifth start of the season; he's currently 2-2, with two wins over the Miami Dolphins, an overtime loss to the playoff-bound Cincinnati Bengals and a road loss to the New Orleans Saints already on his CV.
Aaron Williams and Stevie Johnson were both ruled out for Sunday's contest, as well.