Buffalo Bills news, 9/2: C.J. Spiller back, EJ Manuel returns to practice

Doug Marrone on EJ Manuel's return: "He looked good" - BuffaloBills.com
"The Bills head coach talks about EJ Manuel's return to practice, Jairus Byrd's foot situation, and the roster flexibility that the team currently has." Video and transcript available.

C.J. Spiller: "My focus is on getting ready for New England" - BuffaloBills.com
"The Bills running back talks about coming back to the team and the support he received after his family situation in Florida." Video and transcript available.

EJ Manuel "Most definitely" wants to play Sunday - BuffaloBills.com
"The Bills quarterback talks about getting back on the practice field for the first time since injuring his knee in the preseason game against the Vikings." Video and transcript of the rookie's post-practice comments available.

Manuel back on practice field - BuffaloBills.com
"Despite being 'ahead of schedule' with regard to Manuel's return, Marrone was quick to hedge his bet, instead opting to let time pass before choosing between Manuel and undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel to start Week 1."

Bills Roundup: Manuel Returns to Practice - BuffaloBills.com
"The Bills first round pick returned to practice for the first time since his surgery two weeks ago, plus hear from Jairus Bryd on his foot situation, and C.J. Spiller on getting back with his teammates."

Inside The Bills | Marrone not concerned about youth at QB
"In our situation, we feel that we’re going to go into it with the players that we feel give us the best chance to win," he said. "I don’t have a problem, whether someone’s a rookie, a veteran, whatever it may be."

Inside The Bills | Byrd’s status for opener uncertain
"Same thing Mario had, it’s called plantar fasciitis," he told reporters in the locker room Sunday. "It’s just a little foot condition. We’ll see how it goes."

Inside The Bills | Spiller ready to get back to work
"Obviously, I’m lying if I said I’ll put it behind me. It’s still early. There’s still some emotions there. When I get out there on the football field that’s all I’m worried about. When I go home and stuff like that, you should be able to cope with it. I’m pretty sure if I need any guidance or counseling, I’ll get that."

Manuel is on starting track - The Buffalo News
"Manuel was held out of the team portion of practice Sunday, Marrone said, but he’s expected to take part in that today. That puts Manuel ahead of the schedule his coach set last week."

Spiller back with Bills, hopes football will provide emotional boost - The Buffalo News
"It was very emotional. If anyone in here has ever lost someone close to them - I’m sure they have - a grandparent or whatever, then you have a feel for the emotions of what I was going through," Spiller said.

Bills' Byrd Is Practicing On A Limited Basis - WGR 550
I asked Marrone if Byrd showed up with the injury or got it in practice and the coach was evasive, "That’s a good question, obviously he passed our physical when he came in." Byrd gave a tiny bit more information, "It was a little bit of both, so yah it’s been there."

Doug Legursky's prognosis better than expected - ESPN
"It's not long-term because we didn't put him on IR," Marrone said. "It's a positive sign [but] I still think it will be some time." The coach also said he wasn't a candidate for IR-return.

Buffalo Bills 2013 Preview - ESPN
ESPN surveys their experts to provide this good rundown of the Bills heading into the season with a little help from ESPN Stats and Information.

Roster Moves

Bills sign five to practice squad - BuffaloBills.com
Read one or two sentences on each of the five confirmed practice squad players.

CB Brandon Burton signed to Bills active roster - BuffaloBills.com
"The team announced that they were awarded CB Brandon Burton via waivers. Burton was just released by the Minnesota Vikings on the final cutdown Saturday. The Bills placed him on their 53-man roster after being awarded the waiver claim."

Which Buffalo Bills surprised by making the cut? - ESPN
"Here's a look at three players who some may not have expected to crack the roster:"

Practice squad roundup: Greg McElroy Bengal-bound - NFL.com
"Thaddeus Lewis, Buffalo Bills quarterback: As is the case with Tolzien, Lewis effectively is the Bills' No. 3 quarterback after passing through waivers unclaimed. Coach Doug Marrone plans to determine Wednesday whether EJ Manuel or Jeff Tuel will start the season opener versus the Patriots. Manuel returned to practice Sunday."

More clicks

Team of the Preseason - Pro Football Focus
Tarvaris Jackson was the best quarterback in the NFL this preseason. In Seattle, though.

Lions at Bills: Refocused - Pro Football Focus
Relive the horribleness.