Bills QB EJ Manuel to undergo 'minor knee procedure,' miss rest of preseason

Rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel was in line to be the Bills' starter after two stellar preseason outings. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel will need to undergo a "minor knee procedure" that will sideline him for the rest of the preseason, the team announced on Saturday.

Manuel, the 16th pick in the first round of this year's draft, experienced swelling in his left knee and was examined by the Bills' medical staff, according to a team statement. He will be re-evaluated after the preseason, the statement said.

Veteran quarterback Kevin Kolb will start Buffalo's third preseason game against the Redskins next Saturday.

Manuel, a Florida State product, had established himself as the frontrunner in the team's quarterback competition after completing 26 of 33 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two preseason games.

By comparison, Kolb, signed to a two-year deal during the offseason, has completed 13 of 21 passes for 111 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

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