It hasn't been an easy summer for EJ Manuel.
The Bills starting quarterback struggled through five preseason games before watching Buffalo's front office lure in Kyle Orton with a lucrative two-year deal that will pay the veteran passer $5 million this season.
On Monday, Manuel wasn't among the six team captains voted in for the 2014 season, per the team's official website. Bills teammates picked cornerback Corey Graham, running back Fred Jackson, linebacker Brandon Spikes, defensive tackle Kyle Williams, pass rusher Mario Williams and center Eric Wood.
We don't make too much of the vote, but it's a potential indication that Buffalo's locker room doesn't view the quarterback position as a stable entity. The Bills made it clear this weekend that Manuel's job is anything but secure.
Still, plenty of young quarterbacks aren't immediately chosen as captains, an honor typically bestowed on trusted veterans and unquestioned locker-room leaders. It's worth noting that Cam Newton wasn't voted a captain until his third season.
Manuel's best chance for a similar fate is turning around his play and keeping Orton on the bench.
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