Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel returns to practice following knee surgery

Bills rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel practiced Sunday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery two weeks ago. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Two weeks after undergoing a minor knee procedure that forced him to miss the Bills' final two preseason games, rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel returned to practice on Sunday, the team announced via Twitter.

Manuel, the 16th pick in the first-round of April's NFL Draft, experienced swelling in his left knee earlier this month. At the time, the Bills said he would be re-examined after the preseason.

Head coach Doug Marrone said after the team's preseason game last Thursday that if the rookie returns to practice by this coming Wednesday, he has a chance to play in the season opener against the Patriots.

Manuel is one of just two quarterbacks Buffalo kept on its roster after Saturday's league-wide cut day, along with undrafted free-agent rookie Jeff Tuel.

https://twitter.com/buffalobills/status/374260569437913088

Veteran Kevin Kolb, who signed a two-year deal with the Bills during the offseason, left his first preseason start in the first quarter with concussion-like symptoms and was placed on injured reserve on Friday -- the same day the team cut Matt Leinart four days after it signed him.

Manuel, a Florida State product, completed 26 of 33 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in two preseason games.

He dressed in full uniform, but wore extra padding on his left knee during Sunday's practice, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak.

https://twitter.com/mikerodak/status/374261351754915840

BURKE: Notable Saturday NFL cuts: Austin Collie, Jonathan Dwyer lose roster battles

BURKE & FARRAR: Cover-Two: Examining highs and lows of the NFL preseason